The US Geological Survey published a study today that describes the mechanism by which anthropogenic mercury gets into the seas and into the seafood we eat. While it has been surmised that human use and emissions of Mercury were the source of mercury in the oceans and seafood, the mechanism by which anthropogenic mercury gets there has not been known.
The US Geological Survey published a study today that describes the mechanism by which anthropogenic mercury gets into the seas and into the seafood we eat. While it has been surmised that human use and emissions of Mercury were the source of mercury in the oceans and seafood, the mechanism by which anthropogenic mercury gets there has not been known.
A new landmark study published today documents for the first time the process in which increased mercury emissions from human sources across the globe, and in particular from Asia, make their way into the North Pacific Ocean and as a result contaminate tuna and other seafood. Because much of the mercury that enters the North Pacific comes from the atmosphere, scientists have predicted an additional 50 percent increase in mercury in the Pacific by 2050 if mercury emission rates continue as projected.
"This unprecedented USGS study is critically important to the health and safety of the American people and our wildlife because it helps us understand the relationship between atmospheric emissions of mercury and concentrations of mercury in marine fish," said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.
"This study gives us a better understanding of how dangerous levels of mercury move into our air, our water, and the food we eat, and shines new light on a major health threat to Americans and people all across the world," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "With this information in hand, plus our own mercury efforts, we have an even greater opportunity to continue working with our international partners to significantly cut mercury pollution in the years ahead and protect the health of millions of people."
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One unexpected finding from this study is the significance of long-range transport of mercury within the ocean that originates in the western Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Asia.
Scientists sampled Pacific Ocean water from 16 different sites between Honolulu, Hawaii and Kodiak, Alaska. In addition, the scientists constructed a computer simulation that links atmospheric emissions, transport and deposition of mercury, and an ocean circulation model.
For more information visit: http://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/pacific_mercury.html
