Component of many rocks and is released continually, but very slowly into natural waters by normal chemical weathering processes. Small quantities vaporize into the atmosphere from mercury-containing rocks. In bodies of water hg Settle at the body and adhere to sediment.
Mercury is used int eh production of chemiscals, paints, plastics, pharmaceuticals, steel, electrical equipment. fungicides.
Elemental mercury not readily absorbed. Anaerobic bacteria in the bottom convert these forms of mercury to organic methyl mercury ion which is very soluble and readily absorbed.
Hair, nursing, fetus
Can damage nervous system, kidneys, liver birth defects.
Also preferentially attacks selenium
Mercury nitrates used in felting process of small animals pelts
Insanity
Mercury sulfates used as a catalyst to form acetaldehyde, aka ethanal used to make fertilizers and platisizers, that are additives that increase the plasticity or fluidity of a material. The dominant applications are for plastics, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Side reaction forms methylmercury.
Polluted bay, accumulation of methylmercury in fish
Paralysis, insanity, neurological problems, numbness, muscle degeneration, dancing cats of miniamata
Acetylaldehyde found in nature in coffee and ripe fruits and many other things. A compound partially responsible for the hangover.
Continued for upwards of 30 years.
Compensation given as late as early 2000s
Japan
