Focus on CSIR research in pollution waste: South African mercury assessment (SAMA) programme

Abstract

Mercury pollution is a world-wide problem requiring attention at global, regional and national levels. Various anthropogenic activities release mercury into the atmosphere. It can occur as both elemental and oxidized forms, and is removed from the atmosphere by both dry and wet deposition onto land, freshwater and marine resources. Mercury can also be washed off the land (via runoff) into local water resources. In water resources mercury is quickly converted into the more toxic methylmercury form, which bioaccumulates readily in the aquatic food chain. This can pose a serious health risk to humans who may consume contaminated aquatic organisms such as fish. All of the above forms of mercury exhibit neurotoxic effects in humans, and this is particularly problematic in children and developing foetuses. The SAMA Programme aims to develop a framework for Mercury research in South Africa. The research areas addressed in the SAMA Programme include, a) regulatory framework; b) analytical methods; c) source, speciation, fate, and transport; and d) impacts (ecological and human health).