Cycling of mercury in the environment: Sources, fate, and human health implications: A review

TLDR: In this article, a review summarizes recent recent studies on Hg toxicity and its effects on the human health through the consumption of contaminated fish and rice since methylmercury is a potent neurotoxin and elemental Hg vapor is harmful for the central nervous system.

Abstract: Mercury (Hg) is ubiquitary, naturally enriched in volcanic regions, and has wide applications in science, industry, and agriculture Recently, the increasing awareness of Hg toxicity has led to the replacement of Hg in many areas; however, anthropogenic activities such as coal burning and smelting of metal ores continue to release large amounts of Hg into the environment In particular, the atmospheric distribution of the highly volatile Hg around the globe can result in the pollution of pristine regions without local emission sources The chemical speciation of Hg determines its mobility and toxicity; in flooded soils and sediments, microbial methylation can occur Bioaccumulative (mono)methylmercury (MeHg; CH3Hg+) can affect human health particularly via the consumption of contaminated fish and rice since methylmercury is a potent neurotoxin Also, elemental Hg vapor is harmful for the central nervous system, while inorganic Hg compounds primarily affect the kidney This review summarizes recent