metüülmerkurit

Metüülmerkurit is a highly toxic organometallic compound with the chemical formula CH3HgX, where X is typically a halide like chloride or hydroxide. It is the most prevalent and dangerous form of mercury found in the environment, particularly in aquatic ecosystems.

The primary source of metüülmerkurit is the methylation of inorganic mercury by anaerobic microorganisms, primarily bacteria and archaea, in sediments and water bodies. These microorganisms convert inorganic mercury into its organic form, which is then readily absorbed by other organisms.

Metüülmerkurit bioaccumulates and biomagnifies up the food chain. This means that as organisms consume other organisms containing metüülmerkurit, the concentration of the toxin increases at each successive trophic level. Top predators, including humans who consume contaminated fish and shellfish, are therefore at the highest risk of mercury poisoning.

Exposure to metüülmerkurit can cause severe neurological damage, affecting cognitive abilities, motor skills, and sensory perception. In developing fetuses, it can lead to irreversible developmental abnormalities, including intellectual disability and impaired motor function. Symptoms of mercury poisoning in adults can range from tremors and vision problems to more severe neurological and kidney damage.

Due to its toxicity and persistence in the environment, monitoring and reducing mercury emissions are crucial public health and environmental concerns. Regulations aim to limit industrial discharges of mercury and to inform the public about safe consumption levels of fish.