Mercury contamination is well documented in the eastern United States. But USGS research ecologist Collin Eagles-Smith wanted to know how big of a problem is it in western states, including Idaho. He led a comprehensive study that was released earlier this month, showing widespread mercury contamination.
According to the study, mercury can come from a number of different natural and manmade sources. In Idaho, historic gold and silver mining is one source – as the element gets released into the environment, flowing into downstream watersheds. But Collin Eagles-Smith says that’s not the only way mercury is released. The scientist says western wildfires burn vegetation that’s a natural holder of mercury.
“So depending on where you have a burn, you could have hundreds of years of accumulated mercury released into the atmosphere in one pulse.”
Eagles-Smith released a comprehensive study of mercury contamination in the West earlier this month. He says what’s more toxic than mercury is methylmercury, which occurs under the right conditions when the element is combined with bacteria – and is especially a problem for fish and wildlife in arid parts of Idaho.
Although Eagles-Smith urges people to follow contamination warnings and to be aware of the problem, he’s hopeful the study could improve land and water management practices that may contribute to mercury issues.
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