Walters, Chavon RSomerset, VSLeaner, JJNel, JM2011-11-242011-11-242011-08Walters, CR, Somerset, VS, Leaner, JJ and Nel, JM. 2011. Review of mercury pollution in South Africa: current status. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A, Vol 46(10), pp 1129-11371093-4529http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21806457http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5327Copyright: 2011 Taylor & Francis. This is an an ABSTRACT ONLYThe present paper is a review on the status of mercury (Hg) as a pollutant in South African aquatic ecosystems. Spatial patterns of Hg distribution and bioaccumulation in water resources were investigated by collecting and analyzing multimedia samples for physiochemica and Hg-species determination from 62 sampling sites. The data presented showed a wide range in concentrations, which was expected given the array of environmental parameters, water chemistry and sources of Hg. Generally, higher Hg concentrations were measured in environmental compartments impacted by the major anthropogenic Hg sources which, in South Africa, are largely represented by emissions from coal-fired power stations (i.e. Olifants and Upper Vaal WMAs) and artisanal gold mining (i.e., Inkomati WMA). Ancillary water quality parameters (e.g. pH, temperature, DOC, EC and nutrients) were measured and regressed with the measured Hg concentrations to determine which environmental parameters most influenced regional Hg concentrations. The TotHgsed and DOC concentrations were identified as important factors controlling TotHgaq, while TotHgsed were correlated to TotHgaq. This result is indicative of the combined effects of sediment settling and resuspension in the aquatic environment. In contrast, MeHgaq was not correlated to DOC. MeHginvert were correlated to MeHgsed, while MeHgfish were correlated to MeHgaq and water quality variables (chlorides - Cl- and electrical conductivity - EC). A steady progress has been made in Hg research in South Africa. However, despite the substantial knowledge about Hg toxicity, there are still considerable knowledge gaps on the fate and transport of Hg. Hence, further environmental and human health studies are proposed.enMercuryMercury pollutionEnvironmental parametersSouth African aquatic ecosystemsWater pollutionMethylmercuryInvertebratesHg toxicityArticleWalters, C. R., Somerset, V., Leaner, J., & Nel, J. (2011). Review of mercury pollution in South Africa: current status. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5327Walters, Chavon R, VS Somerset, JJ Leaner, and JM Nel "Review of mercury pollution in South Africa: current status." (2011) http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5327Walters CR, Somerset V, Leaner J, Nel J. Review of mercury pollution in South Africa: current status. 2011; http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5327.TY - Article AU - Walters, Chavon R AU - Somerset, VS AU - Leaner, JJ AU - Nel, JM AB - The present paper is a review on the status of mercury (Hg) as a pollutant in South African aquatic ecosystems. Spatial patterns of Hg distribution and bioaccumulation in water resources were investigated by collecting and analyzing multimedia samples for physiochemica and Hg-species determination from 62 sampling sites. The data presented showed a wide range in concentrations, which was expected given the array of environmental parameters, water chemistry and sources of Hg. Generally, higher Hg concentrations were measured in environmental compartments impacted by the major anthropogenic Hg sources which, in South Africa, are largely represented by emissions from coal-fired power stations (i.e. Olifants and Upper Vaal WMAs) and artisanal gold mining (i.e., Inkomati WMA). Ancillary water quality parameters (e.g. pH, temperature, DOC, EC and nutrients) were measured and regressed with the measured Hg concentrations to determine which environmental parameters most influenced regional Hg concentrations. The TotHgsed and DOC concentrations were identified as important factors controlling TotHgaq, while TotHgsed were correlated to TotHgaq. This result is indicative of the combined effects of sediment settling and resuspension in the aquatic environment. In contrast, MeHgaq was not correlated to DOC. MeHginvert were correlated to MeHgsed, while MeHgfish were correlated to MeHgaq and water quality variables (chlorides - Cl- and electrical conductivity - EC). A steady progress has been made in Hg research in South Africa. However, despite the substantial knowledge about Hg toxicity, there are still considerable knowledge gaps on the fate and transport of Hg. Hence, further environmental and human health studies are proposed. DA - 2011-08 DB - ResearchSpace DP - CSIR KW - Mercury KW - Mercury pollution KW - Environmental parameters KW - South African aquatic ecosystems KW - Water pollution KW - Methylmercury KW - Invertebrates KW - Hg toxicity LK - https://researchspace.csir.co.za PY - 2011 SM - 1093-4529 T1 - Review of mercury pollution in South Africa: current status TI - Review of mercury pollution in South Africa: current status UR - http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5327 ER -