Methylmercury
Methyl mercury, monomethylmercury, MeHg; formula: CH3Hg+X-; CAS Registry Number: 22967-92-6
Organometallic compound that is naturally formed from inorganic mercury ions
Most frequently microorganisms in sediments and soils are involved in the methylation. Burning of wastes and fossil fuels may also lead to MeHg emissions.
Environmentally relevant data for methylmercury are:
- very high toxicity to humans and animals
- carcinogenicity
- effects on reproduction and development demonstrated in animal experiments
- possibly endocrine disrupting activity
- very high bioaccumulation potential
- very high biomagnification potential
For more information about the for chemical analysis see the Guidelines for Chemical Analysis: Quantification of Methyl Mercury Compounds in Environmental Samples by ICP-MS.
Recommended analysis examples
Search data
Specimen
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Common mussel species as invasive animal in rivers and lakes with high information level for water pollution
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Bioindicator in rivers and lakes
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One of the most important edible mussel species common in the North and Baltic Sea
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A major primary producer in semi-natural and anthropogenic affected ecosystems.
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A major primary producer in semi-natural and anthropogenic affected ecosystems.
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A deciduous tree typical of ecosystems close to dense conurbations and an indicator for the characterisation of the immission situation during the vegetation period.
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As the most dominant deciduous tree species in Central Europe, it plays a significant role in most nearly natural and also anthropogenically influenced forest ecosystems up to an altitude of 1100 m.
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The roe deer is the most common of the larger herbivores (first order-consumer) to be found in the wild in Europe.
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As an organism living at ground level, it is a major driver of the decomposition of organic material (e.g. plant litter).
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As an organism living at ground level, it is a major driver of the decomposition of organic material (e.g. plant litter).
Sampling area
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The only high mountains national park in Germany and an area of the Limestone Alps with international relevance
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Important, old-industrialised conurbation in Germany.
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Main water divide between the North- and Baltic Sea
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Longest river in Germany
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Germany's first national park
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National Park in the largest brackish water (Bodden) habitat of the world.
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National park in the world largest connected sand and mud flats.
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Fourth largest river basin in Central Europe
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Region in the chemical triangle of Central Germany
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Germany's largest forest national park
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Second highest and largest low mountain range in Northern Germany
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Germany's largest connected forest area in a range of low mountains
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The Upper Bavarian Tertiary Uplands are a part of the Southern German Molasse Basin
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Second largest river in Europe
Sampling period
1989 - 2023