What happens to Mercury in the environment?
Mercury in a water body is converted by bacteria to methylmercury. Tiny water organisms absorb the methylmercury. Fish eat the tiny organisms. The methylmercury builds up to high levels in predatory fish at the top of the aquatic food chain. Wildlife such as otters, turtles, and loons that eat contaminated fish also accumulate methylmercury. This process is known as bioaccumulation or biomagnification. This also affects people who consume contaminated fish. How does Mercury affect people and wildlife? Methylmercury is a toxic compound that builds up in the tissues of animals and humans. Methylmercury is a neurotoxin. It affects the brain, spinal cord, kidneys and liver of a human being. It affects fetal brain and nervous system development. In wildlife, mercury poisoning can lead to neurological impairments, reproductive problems, weight loss, and early death.
