Mercury-water interactions in the estuarine environment

Examination of mercury-water interactions in the estuarine environment reveals that, while locally mercury concentration in estuarine waters may reflect external influence on the estuarine system, the interactions of the heavy metal with soluble and insoluble water components greatly influence the transport of the metal and its impact on the biota in natural waters. In connection with transformation of mercury in aquatic ecosystems, the role played by methylation in spatial and temporal mobilization of mercury is viewed in wider perspective. This throws light on metal concentration and dispersion and the need for monitoring them in any realistic environmental management design.