What happens to mercury when it enters the environment?
• Inorganic mercury (metallic mercury and inorganic mercury compounds) enters the air from mining ore deposits, burning coal and waste, and from manufacturing plants. • It enters the water or soil from natural deposits, disposal of wastes, and volcanic activity. • Methylmercury may be formed in water and soil by small organisms called bacteria. • Methylmercury builds up in the tissues of fish. Larger and older fish tend to have the highest levels of mercury.
