Source and Distribution of Mercury in Environment—A Review

Mercury (Hg) is an unescapable pollutant across the globe due to its unique cycling process. Understanding the causes and distribution of Hg pollution in the environment is essential for managing it efficiently and reducing its adverse consequences. Although Hg naturally occurs in the crust of the Earth, human activity has greatly increased the amount of Hg released into the environment. While some Hg is naturally released into the atmosphere as a result of volcanic activity and other geological processes, human activities such as industrial processes, small-scale gold mining, the production of cement and non-ferrous metals, and coal combustion have significantly increased the amount of Hg in the atmosphere globally. Mercury contamination is a genuine worldwide environmental hazard since it may travel great distances and eventually deposit in water, soil, and biota. This chapter provides a thorough review of the sources and distribution of Hg in the environment. It looks at how much anthropogenic and natural sources of Hg contribute to the overall environmental burden. Additionally, this chapter looks at the variables that affect how Hg is transported and changed in various environmental compartments. Regular monitoring of its concentrations is necessary to pinpoint highly contaminated locations and comprehend how Hg spreads throughout the environment. The development of monitoring techniques and modeling strategies used to forecast Hg transport within the environment will also be covered in this chapter. Overall, the goal of this chapter is to better understand the origins, modes of transportation, and distribution of Hg in the environment. It seeks to establish a basis for policymakers, researchers, and environmental practitioners to build informed solutions to address this enduring environmental issue and defend ecosystems and human health for future generations.