The Implications Of Mercury Water For The Environment

The implications of mercury water have engaged public attention and caution towards this issue. To begin with, our group introduces the structure and properties of mercury, then we rivet mercury water on its environmental and ethical factors, enumerating its cause and effect and proposing some actions to restrict the vicious behavior of dumping mercury solution.

Mercury is a chemical element with symbol Hg, atomic number 80 and atomic mass 200. A silvery d-block element, mercury is the only metallic element that is liquid at normal temperature and pressure because mercury is “reluctant” to share electrons. Metal atoms typically share valence electrons with others with alacrity. The electrons in a mercury atom are bound more tightly to the nucleus in that mercury has a unique electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2, which strongly resists removal of an electron, behaving like noble gases. Because of its valence electrons, mercury has a low melting point. Additionally, compared to other metals, although it is a poor conductor of heat, it is a useful conductor for electricity. It has a freezing point of −38. 83 °C and a boiling point of 356. 73 °C, both the lowest of any stable metal. In chemical properties, mercury does not react with most acids. Mercury can be applied to thermometers, manometers, amalgams, though concerns about its toxicity have rendered this chemical gradually be phased out by industries.

Mercury water carries a severe impact on the environment. Pollution flows into our environment has caused mercury to be found in seafood. Sediments within large urban estuaries act as an important sink to diffuse mercury water; it will, therefore, be consumed by aquatic creatures, such as fish. The consumption of fish is by far the most significant source of ingestion-related mercury exposure in humans, although plants and livestock also contain mercury due to bioconcentration of mercury from seawater, freshwater, marine and lacustrine sediments, soils, and atmosphere, and due to biomagnification (the process in which a compound, such as a pollutant or pesticide, increases its concentration level in organisms as it travels up the food chain) by ingesting other mercury-containing organisms.

The reason why mercury water is lethal is that it can penetrate our bodies by means of ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. It’s an adverse substance and should be eschewed, though it is often used in other scientific equipment. Previously, some scientists argued that removing the skins of seafood can simultaneously remove the toxic mercury water; however, other research found it futile. Toxic effects include damage to the brain, kidneys and lungs. Mercury poisoning can result in several diseases, including acrodynia (pink disease), Hunter-Russell syndrome, and Minamata disease. These diseases all may lead to higher mortality and thus governments should impose more castigations and regulations on mercury water effluents. While price, quality, and popularity should be taken into account when consumers are choosing and selecting products, ethical problems are inchmeal arresting publicity. Mercury water is emitted by industries to open ocean, posing problems on health and causing diseases. More and more people consider this action unethical since this action not only has mischievous repercussions on human beings but also defiles the entire world surrounding us. According to research prepared by Deloitte and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) earlier this year, 64 percent of consumers in the Asia-Pacific region are willing to spend more on products produced by companies committed to social responsibility.

Mercury water has been now emitted by industries into open ocean, polluting our Mother Nature, causing our food sources to become toxic, and in turn food will be consumed by mankind, triggering a series of symptoms and impairments. With this concept in mind, people now treasure business ethics; hence, industries in this day and age are trying to refine mercury water and invent new technology. Governments are also promulgating decrees to keep “discharging mercury water” at bay.

18 May 2020
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