toxicity and mercury

The environment is composed of indistinguishably numerous compounds that can be either classified as organic or inorganic materials. These compounds are constantly redistributed along the different constituents of the biosphere as well as in the hemisphere.

Figure 1. Biogeochemical processes. (http://www.chemgapedia.de/vsengine /media/vsc/en/ch/16/uc/images/biogeochem.jpg)

However, these continuous and persistent redistributions or cycles of these compounds may also have noxious effects to organisms specifically to human beings. In addition to that, the entry of human activities to the naturally-occurring cycles may increase the risk of toxicity of compounds in the environment. A good example of compounds posing risks to organisms is mercury.

Mercury is said to be a naturally-existing element which may occur in its elemental, organic or inorganic forms. Normally, it is found in measurable quantities in the environment. However, once it exceeds the normal levels and bioaccumulates in living tissues, harmful and detrimental effects are expected to transpire.

Figure 2. Mercury in different forms posing risks to humans. (http://www.greenfacts.org/)

Mercury poisoning is not so prevalent nowadays. However, its toxicity should also be noted such that it can enter our biological pathways and upset them causing harmful consequences. Therefore there is a necessity to identify how the mercury poison human beings. Identifying the locations and level of exposure would increase proper precautions on the handling of such compounds. This would help scientists and laboratory technicians come up with ways of handling such compounds.