Project Watch: Mercury study shows surprising results

Abstract

Project watch The investigation, which is nearing completion, has taken CSIR researchers to over 70 sampling sites covering all 19 water management areas. According to project leader Dr Vernon Somerset the project is an attempt to understand the condition of South Africa’s water and atmosphere in terms of mercury released into the environment; how it builds up (bioaccumulates) in the aquatic food chain; and what its impact is on water resources and human health. Mercury is typically released into the environment through coal combustion, waste incineration, base-metal smelting, gold and cement production. “Since South Africa uses coal to produce energy, mercury is potentially released into the environment at our coal-fired power stations. Some of this mercury ends up in our water ecosystems through wet and dry deposition. It is therefore crucial to monitor and manage mercury, ” said Dr Somerset.

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