Mercury Contamination Of Rice In Wanshan Mercury Mining Area And Risk Of Human Exposure To Methylmercury
Assessment of mercury contamination in rice from Wanshan, China, with health risk evaluations for residents exposed to methylmercury.
168 rice samples were collected from 7 locations in 2 watersheds in the Wanshan mercury mining area of Guizhou Province, their total mercury and methylmercury contents were measured, and the health risks of local residents exposed to methylmercury when eating rice were assessed. The results show that the total mercury content of rice in Wanshan mercury mining area ranges from 2.4 to 401.0ng¡¤g-1, with an average content of 42.4ng¡¤g-1. The total mercury content of 51% of the samples exceeds my country’s food mercury limit standard (20ng¡¤g -1); Methylmercury content ranges from 1.1 to 45.1ng¡¤g-1, the average content is 11.7ng¡¤g-1, and the average proportion of methylmercury to total mercury is 44.8%; total mercury and methylmercury in rice The content was significantly positively correlated (r=0.44, ª«p<0.01), and the total mercury content of rice was negatively correlated with the proportion of methylmercury in total mercury (r=-0.59, p<0.01)ªª. The mercury pollution is more serious in places located upstream of the river and closer to the mercury mines. The mercury content in places further away from the mercury mines is relatively lower as the river goes down the river. The risk assessment of rice methylmercury exposure shows that certain populations are exposed to methylmercury in polluted areas such as Wanshan Dashui Creek, Meizi Creek, and Ginkgoshu, while populations in other areas also have certain potential risks. ?
Introduction to Mercury Research in Rice
In recent research conducted in the Wanshan mercury mining area of Guizhou Province, 168 rice samples were analyzed from seven different locations across two watersheds to determine their total mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) contents. This study is pivotal as it not only highlights the mercury contamination levels in locally grown rice but also assesses the health risks associated with methylmercury exposure for the residents consuming this staple.
Findings on Mercury Levels in Rice
The findings reveal a concerning range of total mercury content in rice, varying from 2.4 to 401.0 ng/g, with an average concentration of 42.4 ng/g. Alarmingly, over half of the samples (51%) exceeded the national food mercury limit standard, which is set at 20 ng/g. This indicates a significant mercury pollution issue in the area, likely stemming from historical and ongoing mining activities.
Correlation Between Mercury Forms
Methylmercury, a toxic organic compound of mercury, also showed varying levels across the samples, ranging from 1.1 to 45.1 ng/g, averaging at 11.7 ng/g. The study highlighted that, on average, methylmercury constituted approximately 44.8% of the total mercury content in the rice samples. There was a significant positive correlation between total mercury and methylmercury contents (r=0.44, p<0.01), suggesting that as the mercury contamination increases, so does the proportion of its more toxic form, methylmercury. Interestingly, a significant negative correlation was found between the total mercury content and the proportion of methylmercury in the total mercury (r=-0.59, p<0.01), indicating that the conversion efficiency of mercury to methylmercury decreases as total mercury concentration increases.
Geographical Distribution of Mercury Contamination
The geographical analysis of mercury content demonstrated that locations closer to the mercury mines and upstream of the river exhibited higher levels of contamination. Conversely, regions downstream showed relatively lower mercury concentrations, pointing towards a dilution or dispersal effect as the river flows away from the mercury source.
Health Risk Assessment for Local Populations
Health risk assessments for local residents consuming this contaminated rice indicate a significant concern, especially in severely polluted areas like Wanshan Dashui Creek, Meizi Creek, and Ginkgoshu. The population in these regions is at a higher risk of methylmercury exposure, which is known to cause neurological and developmental impairments, particularly in children and fetuses. While the risk levels decrease in areas further from the mining sites, they still pose a potential health threat.
Conclusions and Recommendations
This study underscores the critical need for rigorous environmental monitoring and public health interventions in the Wanshan area. Implementing stricter regulations on mercury emissions, conducting regular health screenings for local populations, and promoting awareness about the risks of mercury exposure are essential steps in mitigating this pressing public health issue. Moreover, further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of methylmercury exposure and to develop strategies for cleaning and rehabilitating the contaminated areas, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the local communities and their environments.
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Original research was done by Wang Ya, Li Ping, Wu Yonggui
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