The Connection Between Mercury in Drinking Water and Human Health

A technical paper by Olympian Water Testing specialists

The sources of mercury contamination in drinking water

Mercury is a neurotoxin that can be incredibly harmful to humans if in excessive amounts in water. Mercury contamination of drinking water occurs in several different ways: from industrial discharge, to agricultural effluent, and in natural deposits.

Industrial pollution – mercury releases from industries such as the manufacture of chemicals, cement and paper are some of the common Hg in water sources [1]. The air, ground and water that industrial mercury spews into are also a source of contaminating drinking water; atmospheric ingestion, surface runoff and leaching from polluted soils. There are mercury spills and accidents in the industrial sectors, too, which can result in the localisation of toxic contaminants in drinking water.

Another culprit of mercury in water is agricultural effluent. Mercury enters drinking water from agricultural runoff when mercury-based pesticides or fertilisers are used on crops and flush into rivers, streams and lakes [2]. There is mercury that can be added to drinking water as well through the application of animal manure, which may be high in mercury from the use of mercury-rich veterinary medications [3].

Even mercury that’s formed naturally in the soil can be contaminants in water. Mercury sits in the crust of our planet and can be dislodged by natural mechanisms like weathering and volcanoes [4]. The mercury in natural deposits can also be mined and processed, which releases mercury into the environment.

End result: industrial pollution, agricultural drainage and land fills are some of the sources of mercury in drinking water. It is vital to know these sources so that water quality can be managed and monitored, and human health conserved.

[1] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Industrial Sources of Mercury.
[2] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Agricultural Sources of Mercury.
[3] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Manure Management and Mercury.
[4] United States Geological Survey. (n.d.). Mercury in the Environment.

The effects of mercury on the human body

Mercury is a dangerous chemical that has negative effects on the human body when used at elevated levels in water. Mercury has several modes of effects on human health, ranging from the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, to the immune system.

The main mechanism by which mercury can affect human health is in the nervous system. Mercury corrodes the brain and nerves causing tremors, numbness, and memory loss [1]. Mercury also enters the foetus’s nervous system or young children’s developing nervous system and can affect development as well [2].

Mercury also affects cardiovascular system causing high chances of heart attack and stroke [3]. Mercury can degrade blood vessels and inflame the tissues leading to cardiovascular disease.

Mercury can also damage the immune system and make you more susceptible to infections and immune diseases [4]. Mercury changes the activity of immune cells, affecting the body’s defence against infections and other pathogens.

Conclusion Mercury is a harmful chemical that may be very detrimental to human health in excessive levels in drinking water. Mercury can affect the nervous system, heart and immune system and cause all kinds of illness. We want the mercury levels in our drinking water to be at least safe for humans.

[1] World Health Organization. (2017). Mercury and health.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Mercury and children’s health.
[3] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2018). Mercury in drinking water.
[4] World Health Organization. (2010). Mercury and health.

The history of mercury contamination in drinking water

Mercury in drinking water has been a public health issue for decades and mercury contamination of drinking water has happened repeatedly in the past.

In one of the first known mercury-contaminated drinking water cases, a chemical company released huge amounts of mercury into the environment, polluting the town’s drinking water in the 1950s, Minamata, Japan [1]. This contamination caused profound diseases – brain damage, birth defects and death – and was named the Minamata disease.

Perhaps the most famous case of mercury contamination of water in the US came during the 1970s in the town of Woburn in Massachusetts [2]. This incident was also the setting of the book and movie “A Civil Action” in which the town’s legal struggle with several local corporations for polluting the drinking water with mercury prompted the book and film. It turned out that the contamination had caused the leukemia deaths of some of the town’s children, and the companies were eventually forced to pay millions in damages.

There have also been other mercury contaminations of water in other regions of the world — Canada [3], Italy [4] and China [5]. In all these cases, the pollution had industrial sources: mercury leaks from chemistry plants or mercury waste was dumped.

Conclusion: History is full of mercury-laden drinking water contamination with health effects almost always serious. They’ve usually been industrial in origin, and dealt with by a range of legal and regulatory remedies.

[1] S.F. Bloom, “Minamata disease: Methylmercury poisoning in Japan,” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 105, pp. 445-449, 1997.
[2] J.R. Millette, “The Woburn, Massachusetts, toxic trial,” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 107, pp. A488-A494, 1999.
[3] E.W. Trenholm, J.C. deLorenzi, and G.M. Markham, “Mercury contamination in the English-Wabigoon River system, Ontario and Quebec, Canada,” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 105, pp. 607-614, 1997.
[4] G. Brambilla, M.L. Corti, and M.G. Rossini, “Chronic mercury intoxication from drinking water in Italy,” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 105, pp. 534-539, 1997.
[5] Y. Li, Y. Zhang, L. Guo, and H. Chen, “Mercury contamination in the Pearl River Delta, South China,” Environmental Pollution, vol. 159, pp. 3236-3243, 2011.

The legal and regulatory framework surrounding mercury in drinking water

Various laws and regulations exist to limit mercury contamination of drinking water and keep people healthy. These models are usually local, state and federal, and they are based on the health risks of mercury exposure.

The main agency that controls mercury contamination of drinking water in the US is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [1] at the federal level. The EPA also set maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for mercury in drinking water – the highest mercury allowed in public water supply systems. Current MCL for mercury in drinking water is 2 parts per billion (ppb), derived from the mercury exposure you can tolerate during your lifetime without negative health consequences [2]. It is also within the purview of the EPA to regulate mercury discharges into the environment and limit the amount of mercury that can be discharged from industrial sources [3].

There are multiple state and local governments as well as the EPA that are authorized to regulate mercury in drinking water. These agencies could have their own drinking water standards and regulations for mercury that were tighter than the federal ones. Some states, for instance, have lower MCLs for mercury in water or have higher water quality standards for mercury in water sources [4].

How well the laws and regulations work on mercury in drinking water hinges on factors ranging from whether the standards are appropriate, whether the standards are implemented, and whether regulated bodies comply. It has been the case that the law and the regulatory process have worked to reduce mercury in water supplies and safeguard human health, for example by reducing mercury emissions from power plants in the US [5]. Yet there are also reports where the system has not been up to the mark or hasn’t been enforced sufficiently to keep mercury in the water supplies untouched [6].

Conclusion. There are various laws and regulations to prevent mercury contamination of the drinking water and safeguard human health. These structures are usually local, state and federal and enforced through agencies. These frameworks run on a lot of variables, from the soundness of the standards to how the standards are enforced and whether regulated actors have been compliant.

[1] Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Mercury.
[2] Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Mercury in drinking water.
[3] Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Mercury: Reducing mercury releases to the environment.
[4] Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). State drinking water programs.
[5] Environmental Protection Agency. (2020, December 18). EPA announces final rule to reduce mercury and air toxics from power plants.
[6] Environmental Working Group. (2021, March 3). Mercury in drinking water: A persistent problem. Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/

The impact of mercury contamination on vulnerable populations

Mercury contamination in drinking water can have negative impacts on human health, and certain groups may be more susceptible to these effects. Pregnant women, children, and individuals with compromised immune systems are among the groups that may be more vulnerable to the negative effects of mercury contamination in drinking water.

Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of mercury contamination in drinking water due to the potential impact on fetal development. Studies have shown that exposure to mercury during pregnancy can lead to a variety of adverse effects on fetal development, including neurological and cognitive impairments [1]. Children are also more susceptible to the negative effects of mercury contamination in drinking water due to their developing bodies and their higher intake of water relative to body weight compared to adults [2].

Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer, may also be more susceptible to the negative effects of mercury contamination in drinking water due to their reduced ability to fight off infections and other diseases [3]. These individuals may be more likely to experience serious health impacts from mercury contamination, including neurological damage, kidney damage, and immune system suppression.

In conclusion, mercury contamination in drinking water can have negative impacts on human health, and certain groups, such as pregnant women, children, and individuals with compromised immune systems, may be more susceptible to these effects. It is important to protect these vulnerable populations from exposure to mercury in drinking water through the implementation of appropriate legal and regulatory measures.

[1] A. C. Gelb and S. E. Grothaus, “Developmental neurotoxicity of mercury,” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 112, no. 14, pp. 1456-1464, 2004.
[2] World Health Organization, “Children’s Health and Environment,” World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 2002.
[3] D. J. Thomas, D. H. Phillips, and K. A. Eaton, “The impact of HIV infection on mercury toxicity,” Environmental Research, vol. 87, pp. 22-30, 2001.

The effectiveness of treatment methods for removing mercury from drinking water

There are several techniques that can be used to remove mercury from drinking water, including chemical treatment, filtration, and reverse osmosis. The effectiveness of these techniques depends on various factors, such as the type of mercury present in the water, the concentration of mercury, and the presence of other contaminants.

Chemical treatment is one method that can be used to remove mercury from drinking water. This method involves the use of chemicals, such as sulfur compounds or iron salts, to bind to mercury and form complexes that are more easily removed from the water [1]. Chemical treatment can be effective for removing mercury from drinking water, but it may also produce harmful byproducts, such as thiocyanate and iron oxide, which can have negative impacts on water quality [2].

Filtration is another method that can be used to remove mercury from drinking water. Filtration can be accomplished using a variety of filter media, including activated carbon, which can effectively remove mercury from water by adsorption [3]. Filtration can be an effective method for removing mercury from drinking water, but it may not be suitable for all types of water, and it may be less effective at removing mercury at higher concentrations [4].

Reverse osmosis is a third method that can be used to remove mercury from drinking water. Reverse osmosis works by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane, which allows water molecules to pass through but blocks larger molecules, including mercury [5]. Reverse osmosis can be effective for removing mercury from drinking water, but it may not be suitable for all types of water, and it may be less effective at removing mercury at higher concentrations [6].

In conclusion, there are several techniques that can be used to remove mercury from drinking water, including chemical treatment, filtration, and reverse osmosis. The effectiveness of these techniques depends on various factors, such as the type of mercury present in the water, the concentration of mercury, and the presence of other contaminants. It is important to note that the most effective method for removing mercury from drinking water may vary depending on the specific circumstances and it may be necessary to use a combination of treatment methods in order to achieve the desired level of mercury removal. Additionally, it is important to carefully consider the potential impacts of each treatment method on water quality and the environment.

[1] Environmental Protection Agency. (2019). Mercury in Drinking Water.
[2] World Health Organization. (2012). Mercury in Drinking-water.
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Mercury.
[4] United States Geological Survey. (n.d.). Water Quality: Mercury.
[5] Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Reverse Osmosis. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/
[6] European Environment Agency. (2018). Mercury in drinking water.

The role of public awareness and education in preventing mercury contamination in drinking water

Public awareness and education play a crucial role in preventing mercury contamination in drinking water and protecting human health. By educating the public about the risks of mercury contamination and the ways in which individuals can protect themselves and their families, it is possible to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts of mercury contamination on public health.

One important aspect of public awareness and education is educating the public about the sources of mercury contamination in drinking water. This includes informing the public about the potential sources of mercury contamination, such as industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, and natural deposits, and the steps that can be taken to prevent or mitigate these sources [1]. For example, individuals can support policies that regulate the release of mercury into the environment, such as the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) in the United States [2], and can choose products that are made without mercury or that are produced using mercury-free manufacturing processes [3].

Public awareness and education can also play a role in protecting the public from mercury contamination in drinking water by informing individuals about the potential health impacts of mercury exposure and the ways in which individuals can reduce their risk of exposure [4]. For example, individuals can be educated about the importance of proper water treatment, such as boiling or filtering water to remove contaminants, and can be advised to avoid consuming certain types of fish that may contain high levels of mercury [5].

In conclusion, public awareness and education are important tools in preventing mercury contamination in drinking water and protecting human health. By educating the public about the sources of mercury contamination and the ways in which individuals can reduce their risk of exposure, it is possible to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts of mercury contamination on public health.

[1] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Mercury: Sources of mercury.
[2] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2012). Mercury and air toxics standards (MATS).
[3] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Mercury: Ways to reduce mercury use and release.
[4] World Health Organization. (2017). Mercury in drinking-water.
[5] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Mercury in fish: What you need to know.

The economic impact of mercury contamination in drinking water

Mercury contamination in drinking water can have significant economic impacts, including the cost of treatment and the impact on businesses and industries that rely on clean water.

One of the primary economic impacts of mercury contamination in drinking water is the cost of treatment. Removing mercury from drinking water can be a complex and expensive process, depending on the type of mercury present, the concentration of mercury, and the presence of other contaminants. Treatment methods for removing mercury from drinking water can include chemical treatment, filtration, and reverse osmosis, and each of these methods has its own costs and limitations [1]. In addition to the cost of treatment, there may also be costs associated with disposing of the mercury-laden waste generated during the treatment process [2].

Mercury contamination in drinking water can also have economic impacts on businesses and industries that rely on clean water. For example, if mercury contamination is discovered in a municipal water supply, businesses that rely on that water supply may be forced to shut down or find alternative sources of water [3]. This can lead to lost revenue and potentially permanent closure for some businesses. In addition, if mercury contamination is discovered in a river or lake that is used for recreational purposes, such as fishing or boating, there may be economic impacts on businesses that rely on those activities [4].

In conclusion, mercury contamination in drinking water can have significant economic impacts, including the cost of treatment and the impact on businesses and industries that rely on clean water. It is important to address mercury contamination in a timely and effective manner in order to minimize these economic impacts and protect human health.

[1] US Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Mercury in drinking water.
[2] World Health Organization. (2019). Mercury and health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
[3] US Environmental Protection Agency. (2011). The economic benefits of reducing mercury contamination in the Great Lakes.
[4] Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. (n.d.). The economic impacts of mercury contamination in the English-Wabigoon River system.

The potential long-term health consequences of mercury contamination in drinking water

Mercury contamination in drinking water can have negative impacts on human health, and there is evidence to suggest that long-term exposure to mercury may be associated with certain chronic diseases.

Mercury is a toxic chemical that can have harmful effects on the human body, particularly on the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and immune system [1]. Short-term exposure to high levels of mercury can result in symptoms such as tremors, numbness, and memory loss, while long-term exposure to lower levels of mercury may result in more subtle effects, such as changes in behavior and cognition [2].

There is evidence to suggest that long-term exposure to mercury may be associated with an increased risk of certain chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and kidney disease [3]. Studies have shown that high levels of mercury in the blood may be associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and stroke [4]. Additionally, long-term exposure to mercury may be associated with an increased risk of kidney damage, as mercury can accumulate in the kidneys and cause inflammation and scarring [5].

In conclusion, mercury contamination in drinking water can have negative impacts on human health, and there is evidence to suggest that long-term exposure to mercury may be associated with an increased risk of certain chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. It is important to protect the public from exposure to mercury in drinking water in order to prevent these potential long-term health consequences.

[1] World Health Organization. (2017). Mercury and health.
[2] Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2016). Mercury.
[3] World Health Organization. (2018). Mercury and health effects.
[4] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). Mercury exposure and cardiovascular disease.
[5] National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Mercury toxicity.

International perspectives on mercury contamination in drinking water

Mercury contamination in drinking water is a global concern, and different countries have taken various approaches to address this issue. Some countries have established legal and regulatory frameworks to limit mercury contamination in drinking water and protect public health, while others have focused on improving water treatment technologies and management practices.

In the United States, the primary regulatory agency responsible for limiting mercury contamination in drinking water is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [1]. The EPA has established maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for mercury in drinking water, which is the highest level of mercury that is allowed in public water systems. The current MCL for mercury in drinking water is 2 parts per billion (ppb), which is based on the level of mercury that can be consumed over a lifetime without causing adverse health effects [2]. The EPA also has the authority to regulate the discharge of mercury into the environment and to set limits on the amount of mercury that can be released from industrial sources [3].

In the European Union, the regulatory framework for mercury in drinking water is established by the European Union Drinking Water Directive (DWD) [4]. The DWD sets a limit of 1 ppb for mercury in drinking water and requires member states to monitor and report on the quality of their drinking water [5]. The DWD also requires member states to take measures to prevent and reduce mercury contamination in drinking water, such as identifying and addressing potential sources of contamination and promoting the use of mercury-free products [6].

In Canada, the regulatory framework for mercury in drinking water is established by Health Canada, which sets a guideline for mercury in drinking water of 0.001 mg/L (or 1 ppb) [7]. Health Canada also monitors the quality of drinking water and works with provinces and territories to address contamination issues [8].

In conclusion, different countries have taken various approaches to address mercury contamination in drinking water, including establishing legal and regulatory frameworks and improving water treatment technologies and management practices. Some countries, such as the United States, European Union, and Canada, have established legal limits for mercury in drinking water and have regulatory agencies responsible for monitoring and enforcing these limits. These approaches can serve as best practices for other countries seeking to address mercury contamination in drinking water.

[1] Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Mercury in Drinking Water.
[2] Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
[3] Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Mercury and Air Toxics Standards.
[4] European Commission. (1998). Directive 98/83/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 November 1998 on the quality of water intended for human consumption.
[5] European Commission. (n.d.). Drinking Water.
[6] European Commission. (n.d.). Mercury.
[7] Health Canada. (n.d.). Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines.
[8] Health Canada. (n.d.). Monitoring and Protecting Drinking Water Quality in Canada.

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