Mercury contamination in aquatic ecosystems: an analysis of the critical areas

Abstract

Mercury contamination in aquatic ecosystems in Brazil is discussed by comparing the biogeochemical characteristics resulting in increasing mobilization and bioavailability to food chains and eventually increasing human exposure to mercury. We compare key Amazonian systems and some estuaries, which due to the high complexing capacity of Hg by dissolved organic matter; maintain elevated concentrations of mercury under readily bioavailable forms, able to undertake methylation and biomagnification through food chains.