A synthesis of mercury research in the Southern Hemisphere, part 2: Anthropogenic perturbations.

ABSTRACT: Environmental mercury (Hg) contamination is a global concern requiring action at national scales. Scientific understanding and regulatory policies are underpinned by global extrapolation of Northern Hemisphere Hg data, despite historical, political, and socioeconomic differences between the hemispheres that impact Hg sources and sinks. In this paper, we explore the primary anthropogenic perturbations to Hg emission and mobilization processes that differ between hemispheres and synthesize current understanding of the implications for Hg cycling. In the Southern Hemisphere (SH), lower historical production of Hg and other metals implies lower present-day legacy emissions, but the extent of the difference remains uncertain. More use of fire and higher deforestation rates drive re-mobilization

SUBMITTER: Fisher JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10073395 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature