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Past and present anthropogenic mercury (Hg) release to ecosystems causes neurotoxicity and cardiovascular disease in humans with an estimated economic cost of $117 billion USD annually. Humans are primarily exposed to Hg via the consumption of contaminated freshwater and marine fish. The UNEP Minamata Convention on Hg aims to curb Hg release to the environment and is accompanied by global Hg monitoring efforts to track its success. The biogeochemical Hg cycle is a complex cascade of release, dispersal, transformation and bio-uptake processes that link Hg sources to Hg exposure. Global change interacts with the Hg cycle by impacting the physical, biogeochemical and ecological factors that control these processes. In this review we examine how global change such as biome shifts, deforestation, permafrost thaw or ocean stratification will alter Hg cycling and exposure. Based on past declines in Hg release and environmental levels, we expect that future policy impacts should be distinguishable from global change effects at the regional and global scales.

An important provision of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted measures and its implementation. Here, we describe for the first time currently available biotic mercury (Hg) data on a global scale to improve the understanding of global efforts to reduce the impact of Hg pollution on people and the environment. Data from the peer-reviewed literature were compiled in the Global Biotic Mercury Synthesis (GBMS) database (>550,000 data points). These data provide a foundation for establishing a biomonitoring framework needed to track Hg concentrations in biota globally. We describe Hg exposure in the taxa identified by the Minamata Convention: fish, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals. Based on the GBMS database, Hg concentrations are presented at relevant geographic scales for continents and oceanic basins. We identify some effective regional templates for monitoring methylmercury (MeHg) availability in the environment, but overall illustrate that there is a general lack of regional biomonitoring initiatives around the world, especially in Africa, Australia, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Temporal trend data for Hg in biota are generally limited. Ecologically sensitive sites (where biota have above average MeHg tissue concentrations) have been identified throughout the world. Efforts to model and quantify ecosystem sensitivity locally, regionally, and globally could help establish effective and efficient biomonitoring programs. We present a framework for a global Hg biomonitoring network that includes a three-step continental and oceanic approach to integrate existing biomonitoring efforts and prioritize filling regional data gaps linked with key Hg sources. We describe a standardized approach that builds on an evidence-based evaluation to assess the Minamata Convention's progress to reduce the impact of global Hg pollution on people and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exposure to arsenic and mercury in various insect trophic guilds from two mercury mining sites in Mexico was assessed. The two study sites were La Laja (LL) and La Soledad (LS) mines. Additionally, a reference site (LSR) was evaluated for LS. The terrestrial ecosystem was studied at LL, whereas both the terrestrial ecosystem and a stream called El Cedral (EC) were assessed at LS. The study sites are situated in the Biosphere Reserve Sierra Gorda (BRSG). Mercury vapor concentrations were measured with a portable analyzer, and concentrations of arsenic and mercury in environmental and biological samples were determined through atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Both pollutants were detected in all terrestrial ecosystem components (soil, air, leaves, flowers, and insects) from the two mines. The insect trophic guilds exposed included pollinivores, rhizophages, predators, coprophages, and necrophages. In LS, insects accumulated arsenic at levels 29 to 80 times higher than those found in specimens from LSR, and 10 to 46 times higher than those from LL. Similarly, mercury exposure in LS was 13 to 62 times higher than LSR, and 15 to 54 times higher than in LL. The analysis of insect exposure routes indicated potential exposure through air, soil, leaves, flowers, animal prey, carrion, and excrement. Water and sediment from EC exhibited high levels of arsenic and mercury compared to reference values, and predatory aquatic insects were exposed to both pollutants. In conclusion, insects from mercury mining sites in the BRSG are at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury (Hg) pollution remains an environmental global concern due to its non-degradable and toxic nature. Natural and anthropogenic sources of Hg adversely affect the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and biological processes. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), unregulated artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) contributes up to 20% of global gold production and uses 205–496 tonnes/yr of Hg. Despite being a vital economic driver for 20–30 million people, ASGM threatens the health of aquatic systems from Hg pollution, presenting a complex challenge that demands urgent interventions. This review seeks to (1) establish the current status of aquatic Hg pollution, (2) explore the environmental impacts of aquatic Hg, and (3) highlight the proposed interventions for aquatic Hg pollution in SSA. We examined publications and institutional reports between 2000 and 2023 addressing aquatic Hg pollution, impacts, and interventions in the ASGM of SSA. Results indicate a rise in aquatic Hg pollution due to the expansion and intensification of ASGM. West Africa remained the highest contributor (50.2%), followed by Central Africa (39.6%), Southern Africa (9.6%), and Eastern Africa (<1%). Contamination of freshwater ecosystems, toxicity to aquatic biota, and environmental health risks to humans were evident. Alternative Hg-free ASGM technologies, including physical, metallurgical, and pyrometallurgical, were investigated from case studies and recommended for adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a picture of ASGM in Brazil and prospective numbers on mercury emissions and releases in 2016, when the country declared production of about 90 tonnes of gold, of which circa 25 tonnes came from ASGM. However, it is also necessary to consider the illegal production of ASGM which is estimated to vary between 10% and eight times more than the legal production. The proposed method included: organization of spatial data on legal ASGM output, stakeholder identification and meetings, mercury metallurgical balance, quantitative measurement of mercury in the atmosphere and qualitative social aspects such as the miners' economic dependence on the managers and scenarios of illegal ASGM annual production. The main results revealed that the initial mercury (Hg)–gold (Au) production ratio was higher for the primary whole ore than for the concentrate secondary ore, which is the most frequent type of Brazilian ASGM. The amalgam filtering technique followed by mercury recovery is routine, decreasing the Hg releases to tailings ponds or to soil and water bodies. The mercury emissions by thermal decomposition of amalgam are independent of the initial mercury mass, depending only on the mercury in the amalgam and the (adequate) use or not of emission control systems. Illegal activities reduce the availability and proper use of these systems, resulting in higher emissions. Mercury emissions from ASGM in Brazil may increase the global mercury emissions estimates, while their mercury releases may represent a marginal increase. As the mercury emitted may be trapped by the rainforests added to the mercury released, the environmental contamination may pose health risks to Amazonian population, which requires immediate action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research presents a compilation of the strategies for the handling and management of mercury (Hg) carried out by Japan as a promoter and manager of the Minamata Convention. This agreement was established to reduce anthropogenic mercury emissions and prevent pollution worldwide. Article 14 of the agreement focuses on cooperation between the governments involved and provides technical assistance. That is why the activities were developed in the training course “Capacity building for the ratification and implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury” carried out in Japan, in which representatives from Ecuador, China, Sudan, Brazil, and Armenia. Ecuador is one of the countries that ratified this agreement in 2013, which is why it is necessary to understand the efforts developed by other countries, with a practical perspective, to know their feasibility and implementation in the long term in the national territory. This study describes the activities implemented in Japan, such as processing contaminated waste in the company Nomura Kohsan Co., Ltd. (Hokkaido), to know high-tech centers such as the National Institute for Minamata Disease (NIMD) and the Ministry of the Environment (MEGJ), and a tour of the environmental restoration project in Minamata Bay. The results demonstrate that the actions and policies adopted in Japan have considerably reduced Hg emissions, maintaining them at stable levels, which ratifies compliance with the different articles outlined in the Minamata Convention. Although efforts have been made in Ecuador to combat illegal mining where Hg and assist in mining districts, it is still among the most polluting countries in the region. Private and government entities must put effort into action plans to mitigate pollution and carry out periodic monitoring of emissions of this metal.

This study is based on the need for information on the development of research related to efforts to eliminate mercury in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector during 2001–2022. In this study, methods are designed in the R programming language to explain the relationship with visualization to observe trends, hotspots, and evolution of studies related to efforts to eliminate mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. Such studies continue to increase, especially after the Minamata Convention in 2013. Studying the implementation of a national action plan is urgent so that the target for eliminating mercury can be measured and the zero mercury goal can be achieved, following the mandate of the Minamata Convention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yearly mercury released into the environment from discarded broken thermometers was estimated through questionnaires submitted to medical personnel in two major cities, namely Yaounde and Bertoua, in Cameroon. Eighty-three medical personnel made up of 17 assistant nurses, 56 nurses + midwives and 10 physicians responded to have handled a total of 3216 units of thermometers made up of 85% Hg-added and 15% digital during consultations. Six hundred twenty-four units, all Hg-added and making about 19% of thermometers got broken during health consultations. This breakage led to the average annual disposal of 0.646 Kg of mercury. The mean rates of mercury release from broken thermometers were assessed to 0.056, 0.005 and 0, and 0.009, 0.002 and 0 Kg per year, respectively, for assistant nurses, nurses + midwives and physicians in bigger and smaller cities, respectively. Assistant nurses alone disposed of 73%, 27% by nurses + midwives, and none released by physicians for the total estimated of 222.52 Kg of mercury disposed of from broken thermometers by medical personnel in hospitals in Cameroon. Out of the total mercury estimated, 63.71% and 36.21% were disposed of by medical personnel in bigger and smaller cities, respectively. The circumstances of the accidental broken of these mercury-added thermometers will expose medical personnel, patients, and the public to this toxic chemical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a crucial need to understand the outlook for changes in mercury supply and demand in response to the 2017 entry into force of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. If demand exceeds supply there will be a shortage, but if supply exceeds demand there will be excess mercury, and ultimately the need to prepare for the final disposal of elemental mercury. This study estimates global mercury supply and demand from 2010 to 2050, by region, and projects excess mercury based on recent trends and consideration of impacts of the Convention. The analysis notes a downward trend in both supply and demand, but the supply of mercury from primary mining has not decreased as much as initially expected, while mercury recovery from by-products of nonferrous production has not yet been implemented extensively. Under a business-as-usual projection, there is excess supply until a shortage appears around 2030, but a surplus returns after 2035, and there is a projected excess supply of 59 tons annually in 2050. Relying on the level of mercury recovery in the nonferrous sector, global cumulative stock of excess mercury is projected at 14,439–20,943 tons in 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans are exposed to toxic methylmercury mainly by consuming marine fish. The Minamata Convention aims at reducing anthropogenic mercury releases to protect human and ecosystem health, employing monitoring programs to meet its objectives. Tunas are suspected to be sentinels of mercury exposure in the ocean, though not evidenced yet. Here, we conducted a literature review of mercury concentrations in tropical tunas (bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack) and albacore, the four most exploited tunas worldwide. Strong spatial patterns of tuna mercury concentrations were shown, mainly explained by fish size, and methylmercury bioavailability in marine food web, suggesting that tunas reflect spatial trends of mercury exposure in their ecosystem. The few mercury long-term trends in tunas were contrasted and sometimes disconnected to estimated regional changes in atmospheric emissions and deposition, highlighting potential confounding effects of legacy mercury, and complex reactions governing the fate of mercury in the ocean. Inter-species differences of tuna mercury concentrations associated with their distinct ecology suggest that tropical tunas and albacore could be used complementarily to assess the vertical and horizontal variability of methylmercury in the ocean. Overall, this review elevates tunas as relevant bioindicators for the Minamata Convention, and calls for large-scale and continuous mercury measurements within the international community. We provide guidelines for tuna sample collection, preparation, analyses and data standardization with recommended transdisciplinary approaches to explore tuna mercury content in parallel with observation abiotic data, and biogeochemical model outputs. Such global and transdisciplinary biomonitoring is essential to explore the complex mechanisms of the marine methylmercury cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury in wood is an important pool of this heavy metal in forest ecosystems because of its relatively high proportion in the biomass compared to other pools. This paper describes the successful application of a modified methodology for stem disk sampling based on wood particles from stem disks from Donawitz (Styria, Austria; pig iron production), from Brixlegg (Tyrol; former copper and silver mining, copper ore processing and copper recycling), and from Gmunden (Upper Austria; cement production). The maximum mercury concentration in the stem disks from Donawitz (Hinterberg: 20.5 ppb, St. Peter: 9.3 ppb) was recorded in the early 1970s. Several maxima were obtained from the stem disks from Brixlegg: the first was in 1813 (149.9 ppb), potentially even earlier, a second (37.6 ppb) in the late nineteenth century until the late 1920s, and a third local maximum in the 1970s (9.1 ppb), followed by a tendency to decline until the present. A stem disk from Gmunden in Upper Austria showed values of mercury concentrations indicating no increases compared to literature about background sites (≤ 3.2 ppb). This method revealed trends in mercury concentrations in tree rings originating from several different mercury emission sources in Austria coinciding with information about industrial history (where available) together with a justifiable effort. We therefore recommend it for further investigations on mercury concentrations in tree rings and their changes over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the nineteenth century, a major change took place in the trade, production, and use of mercury that altered its nearly exclusive link to silver refining in the Hispanic New World. We track the global expansion of mercury markets in chronological detail from 1511 to 1900 using historical archives on production and trade, a detailed country-by-country accounting of the pool of anthropogenic mercury from which legacy mercury was ultimately generated. The nature and profile of pre-1900 legacy mercury extends beyond silver refining, mercury production, and gold extraction, and includes alternate sources (vermilion, felt, mercury fulminate) and new regions that were not major silver or gold producers (China, India, United Kingdom, France, among others), that accounted for approximately 50% of total mercury consumed in the nineteenth century. The nature of the pre-1900 mercury market requires a quantitative distinction between legacy mercury and historic anthropogenic mercury production and use, since the chemistry of its end-uses determines the pathways and timelines for its incorporation into the global biogeochemical cycle. We thus introduce the concept of a mercury source pool to account for total historic anthropogenic mercury within and outside this cycle. Together with a critical review of previous assumptions used to reconstruct the historical use and loss of mercury, a much lower level of emissions of pre-1900 legacy mercury is proposed. A coordinated effort across disciplines is needed, to complete a historically accurate scenario that can guide the multilateral policies adopted under the United Nations Minamata Convention to control mercury in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this paper is to briefly discuss the major advances in scientific thinking regarding: a) processes governing the fate and transport of mercury in the environment; b) advances in measurement methods; and c) how these advances in knowledge fit in within the context of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Details regarding the information summarized here can be found in the papers associated with this Virtual Special Issue of STOTEN.

INTRODUCTION. A large number of international treaties regulating various spheres of international relations have already entered into force. As current practice shows, the emphasis has shifted from the need to regulate an increasing number of relationships to the importance of improving the efficiency of existing international treaties. The article analyzes the implementation of this process in international environmental law. The authors show that a number of global and regional environmental agreements have established quasi-judicial procedures (so-called "non-compliance procedures") in the form of implementation and compliance committees serving as international control mechanisms. The purpose of such mechanisms is to identify and resolve both local and systemic theoretical and practical issues of non-compliance arising from the provisions of international treaties.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The article is based on a large amount of material, including international binding legal acts, acts of advisory nature, and modern doctrinal research of Russian and foreign authors. The methodological basis of the research consists of general scientific (methods of logical and system analysis, dialectical method, methods of deduction and induction) and private scientific (historical and legal, comparative legal, formal-legal methods, the method of legal modeling and forecasting) methods of cognition.RESEARCH RESULTS. In their research, the authors analyzed various international binding and non-binding instruments, summarized doctrinal positions made by Russian and Western legal scholars, presented in domestic and foreign scientific literature, and identified the main issues of compliance committees of international environmental agreements.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. The authors have tried to give answers to the following questions: is it necessary to fix in the text of international environmental agreements the provisions establishing the compliance committee, or can this be done later: at the annual meetings of the conferences of the parties; what should be the composition and mandate of the compliance committee; and how efficiently do these committees function? As a result of the conducted research, the authors have drawn conclusions about the need fo detailed monitoring of changes in the various international environmental agreements in order to improve the effectiveness of compliance committees in exercising their mandates and to identify violations of the mandates of these committees.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is present in over 80 countries, employing about 15 million miners and serving as source of livelihood for millions more. The sector is estimated to be the largest emitter of mercury globally. The Minamata Convention on Mercury seeks to reduce and, where feasible, eliminate mercury use in the ASGM. However, the total quantity of mercury used in ASGM globally is still highly uncertain, and the adoption of mercury-free technologies has been limited. This paper presents an overview of new data, derived from Minamata ASGM National Action Plan submissions, that can contribute to refining estimates of mercury use in ASGM, and then assesses technologies that can support the phase out mercury use in ASGM while increasing gold recovery. The paper concludes with a discussion of social and economic barriers to adoption of these technologies, illustrated by a case study from Uganda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The popularity of dental amalgam arises from its excellent long-term performance, ease of use, and low cost. However, there is a concern about the potential adverse health effects arising from exposure to mercury in amalgam. This review article critically discusses the safety of dental amalgam as a restorative material and our preparedness for a mercury-free road ahead. Materials and Methods A database search was performed on PubMed and Google scholar using the keywords: "mercury-free dentistry", "mercury toxicity", "amalgam substitutes", "amalgam mercury toxicity". Inclusion and exclusion criteria were specified clearly. Relevant literature was also searched in the dental textbooks. Results Around 40 articles, highlighting mercury exposure among dental professionals and patients were included. Despite the overwhelming body of scientific evidence demonstrating amalgam to be a safe restorative material, concerns about the toxic effects of mercury persist. Conclusion The real challenge is to find a suitable amalgam substitute and to follow the mercury hygiene measures closely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury is a globally distributed toxic trace metal, which can travel long distances in the atmosphere and bioaccumulate to elevated levels in ecosystem food webs. Since 2013, various parts of the mercury life cycle, including the production, use, emissions, releases, as well as the environmental and ecosystem fate, have been governed via the global treaty on mercury, the Minamata Convention of Mercury. The convention also calls attention to the application of mercury stable isotopes for distinguishing between various mercury sources in environmental media and for identifying sources, which require targeted risk management. Here, we introduce ways in which mercury stable isotopes can be applied in the field of environmental forensics to identify sources responsible for local contamination and global cycling that require international governance. This review is divided into: 1) the general overview on the mercury speciation and cycling, 2) the nomenclature of mercury stable isotope systems, and 3) the introduction of case studies that have successfully utilized mercury isotopes to interpret legacy and recent mercury sources in atmospheric and freshwater environments. We conclude the review by making specific recommendations as to how mercury stable isotopes can be better utilized in the field of local and global environmental forensics. These recommendations include the development of comprehensive anthropogenic mercury source inventories and isotopic-based evidence on the transboundary transport of mercury.

• Global dietary MeHg exposure has increased by 29 % during 1995–2020. • Freshwater fish was the primary food source for increased MeHg exposure. • Rising MeHg exposure was primarily driven by increased food consumption. • Food concentration changes increased MeHg exposures in underdeveloped regions. Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure primarily comes from diet, posing serious health risks. However, the trends of global dietary MeHg exposure and underlying drivers remain unknown. This study reveals the recent global trend in dietary MeHg exposure (expressed in per capita probable daily intake of MeHg), and the sources and drivers of exposure changes. Results show that global dietary MeHg exposure has increased by 29 % during 1995–2020, especially in South Asia (203 %), Southeast Asia (104 %), and Sub-Saharan Africa (77 %). Freshwater fish consumption was the main source for increased MeHg exposure. The increase in food consumption was the main driver of the growth in global dietary MeHg exposure, while dietary structure transition was the primary driver of its decline. The changes in MeHg concentrations of foods have mitigated dietary MeHg exposures in developed economies, but aggravated them in underdeveloped economies. Our findings can guide decision-making on managing increasing dietary MeHg exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why do international organizations (IOs) adopt different arrangements for cooperation? Drawing on the theory of institutional context and the rational theory of international design, I argue that a prior thick institution between IOs, which involves the adjustment of organizational mandates and/or activities, facilitates a decentralized arrangement for their current cooperation by fostering mutual expectations and reducing uncertainty. If the prior institution merely assumes direct combinations of resources and expertise, a centralized arrangement is needed to reduce uncertainty regarding the counterpart IO's cooperative motive. With archival analysis and extensive interviews with IO staff members, this argument is tested against two empirical cases of inter-organizational cooperation undertaken by the United Nations Environment Program under the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The in-depth analysis reveals how IOs cope with demands and obstacles for inter-organizational cooperation on the ground, which has been largely unexplored in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury is a toxic pollutant that can negatively impact the population's health and the environment. The research on atmospheric mercury is of critical concern because of the diverse process that this pollutant suffers in the atmosphere as well as its deposition capacity, which can provoke diverse health issues. The Minamata Convention encourages the protection of the adverse effects of mercury, where research is a part of the strategies and atmospheric modelling plays a critical role in achieving the proposed aim. This paper reviews the study of modelling atmospheric mercury based on the southern hemisphere (SH). The article discusses diverse aspects focused on the SH such as the spatial distribution of mercury, its emissions projections, interhemispheric transport, and deposition. There has been a discrepancy between the observed and the simulated values, especially concerning the seasonality of gaseous elemental mercury and total gaseous mercury. Further, there is a lack of research about the emissions projections in the SH and mercury deposition, which generates uncertainty regarding future global scenarios. More studies on atmospheric mercury behaviour are imperative to better understand the SH's mercury cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers and policymakers are concerned with the uncontrolled use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). Despite the availability of alternative technologies, mercury is still the first choice to separate gold from ore on most ASGM sites. Taking the case of Burkina Faso, this mixed methods study contributes to understanding the continued use of mercury by analyzing the non-technical functions that mercury accomplishes. Applying a political ecology lens, we analyze the mechanisms that actors deploy to access benefits from ASGM and manage business-related risks, revealing dependencies on webs of power that govern the informal setting of the ASGM value chain from production to export. Our results challenge conventional wisdom about poverty-driven ASGM. We demonstrate that the sector is not simply propelled by jobless rural youth and poor farmers eager to make a lucky strike. Instead, the need of ASGM for prefinancing extraction made it as much the product of capital looking for lucrative investment. The business model of investors is based on prefinancing extraction, controlling access to market, and taking advantage of excess labor by shifting operational and financial risks upstream. In an entirely informal scheme of cascading prefinancing arrangements, mercury serves as a 'commitment and controlling device.' The provision of mercury guarantees that the financier can access the gold at the exact moment of recovery, regain the loan, and secure the return on investment. Phasing out mercury will remain a challenge as long as it is used as a social control device. • ASGM is increasingly dependent on investment to prefinance extraction. • Capital is provided in an entirely informal manner by downstream actors in the value chain. • Mercury serves as "commitment and controlling device" for investors to secure access to gold recovery. • For capital providers prefinancing is a lucrative investment that gives control over upstream production and marketing. • The "social control" function of mercury makes its replacement difficult if access to capital and markets are not addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: With the Minamata Convention the use of mercury will be phased down, and this undoubtedly will have an effect on dental treatment regimens and economic resources. Composite resin restorations are considered viable alternatives to amalgam fillings; however, these will not be covered completely by health insurance systems in many countries. Recently, a high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement (hvGIC) processed with a resinous coating (RC) has been introduced, and has been marketed as a restorative material in load-bearing Class I cavities (and in Class II cavities with limited size), thus serving as a possible alternative to amalgam fillings. Objective: To discuss the outcome based on the evaluation presented in Part I of this paper, and to critically appraise the methodologies of the various studies. Results: Two of the included studies were industry-funded, and status of the other clinical trials remained unclear. Quality of study reporting was considered perfectible. The use of a light-cured nanofilled resin coating material would seem advantageous, at least when regarding short- and medium term outcomes. Conclusion: Within the respective indications and cavity geometries, the hvGIC/RC approach would seem promising, could merge the phase-down of mercury and the objectives of minimally invasive treatment to some extent, and might be a restorative alternative for patients suffering from allergies or not willing to afford other sophisticated or expensive techniques. These recommendations are based on studies evaluating EQUIA Fil (GC), but are not transferable to clinical perspectives of the glass hybrid successor product (EQUIA Forte; GC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the Minamata Convention the use of mercury will be phased down, and this undoubtedly will have an effect on dental treatment regimens and economic resources. Composite resin restorations are considered viable alternatives to amalgam fillings; however, these will not be covered completely by health insurance systems in many countries. Recently, a high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement (hvGIC) processed with a resinous coating (RC) has been introduced, and has been marketed as a restorative material in load-bearing Class I cavities (and in Class II cavities with limited size), thus serving as a possible alternative to amalgam fillings. Objective: To evaluate the literature on this treatment approach, and to focus particularly on the clinical performance of the hvGIC/RC combination. Search Strategy: The Cochrane Library as well as Ebsco, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases were screened. Moreover, relevant abstracts published with dental meetings were reviewed. Selection Criteria: All available randomized clinical trials focusing on the hvGIC/RC approach (published either as full-texts or abstracts until June 2016) were selected. Moreover, single-group studies using hvGIC/RC were included. Data Collection and Analysis: Screening of titles and abstracts, data extraction, and quality assessments of full-texts according to Oxford scoring were performed. Results: Regarding failure rates, minor differences between hvGIC/RC and GIC or composite resins as comparators could be observed in seven clinical studies. The hvGIC/RC combination showed high survival rates (with only few catastrophic failures) of up to 6 years. Conclusion: Class I retention rates of hvGIC/RC seem promising, but further high-quality clinical studies are clearly warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amalgam has been the gold standard for restorations in posterior teeth. Mercury, a major component of dental amalgam, is considered an environmental pollutant. The Minamata Convention on mercury recomends a reduction in the use of mercury-containing products. Since Pakistan is a signatory to the Convention, the same amalgam phase-out limitations are implemented in Pakistan. Aims: To identify and assess the use of amalgam and its waste management by dentists in Pakistan post-Minamata Convention guidelines. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lahore among 520 general dental practitioners in 2019. Results: The sample size for the study was calculated as 500; the questionnaire was distributed among 550 dentists. Dental amalgam was used by only 41.6% of the dentists in their practice; 55.0% perceived it to be a health risk. Most of the dentists (76.3%) were unaware of the proper disposal protocols for dental amalgam and 76.5% were unaware of any guidelines regarding amalgam use and disposal. Conclusion: Although there is a gap in knowledge among the dentists regarding amalgam disposal, dentists in Pakistan are reducing their use of dental amalgam in accordance with the guidelines of the Minamata Convention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to mercury (Hg) is a global concern, particularly among Arctic populations that rely on the consumption of marine mammals and fish which are the main route of Hg exposure for Arctic populations.The MercuNorth project was created to establish baseline Hg levels across several Arctic regions during the period preceding the Minamata Convention. Blood samples were collected from 669 pregnant women, aged 18–44 years, between 2010 and 2016 from sites across the circumpolar Arctic including Alaska (USA), Nunavik (Canada), Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Northern Lapland (Finland) and Murmansk Oblast (Russia). Descriptive statistics were calculated, multiple pairwise comparisons were made between regions, and unadjusted linear trend analyses were performed.Geometric mean concentrations of total Hg were highest in Nunavik (5.20 µg/L) and Greenland (3.79 µg/L), followed by Alaska (2.13 µg/L), with much lower concentrations observed in the other regions (ranged between 0.48 and 1.29 µg/L). In Nunavik, Alaska and Greenland, blood Hg concentrations have decreased significantly since 1992, 2000 and 2010 respectively with % annual decreases of 4.7%, 7.5% and 2.7%, respectively.These circumpolar data combined with fish and marine mammal consumption data can be used for assessing long-term Hg trends and the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing mercury isotope ratios from pre‐industrial (1510–1850) to present‐day (1990–2014) in lake sediment cores have been suggested to be a global phenomenon. To assess factors leading to spatiotemporal changes, we compiled mercury concentration (THg) and mercury isotope ratios in 22 lake sediment cores located at various regions of the world. We find that the positive δ202Hg shifts together with THg increases from pre‐industrial to present‐day are a widespread phenomenon. This is caused by increased contribution of mercury from local to regional anthropogenic mercury emission sources, which lead to higher sediment δ202Hg (−1.07 ± 0.69‰, 1 SD) than pre‐industrial sediments (−1.55 ± 0.96‰, 1 SD). The positive Δ199Hg shifts were observed in 15 lake sediment cores, which have low pre‐industrial Δ199Hg (−0.20 ± 0.32‰) compared to the sediment cores with near‐zero to positive pre‐industrial Δ199Hg (0.08 ± 0.07‰). The magnitudes of δ202Hg (r2 = 0.09) and Δ199Hg (r2 = 0.20, both p > 0.05) changes from pre‐industrial to present‐day did not correlate with the magnitude of THg changes. Instead, the magnitudes of δ202Hg and Δ199Hg changes decreased with increasing pre‐industrial δ202Hg and Δ199Hg values, suggesting that the baseline mercury isotope ratios play a more important role in determining the magnitude of mercury isotope changes compared to the degree of THg input. We suggest that the spatiotemporal assessments of δ202Hg in lake sediment cores can be used as an important proxy for monitoring changes in anthropogenic mercury sources for the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Key Points: Positive δ202Hg shifts together with mercury concentration in lake sediment cores from pre‐industrial to present‐day period are a widespread phenomenonMagnitudes of δ202Hg and Δ199Hg changes are determined by the pre‐industrial or baseline values in the sediment cores rather than the degree of mercury inputSediment δ202Hg can be used as a proxy for monitoring changes in anthropogenic mercury sources for the Minamata Convention on Mercury [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents atmospheric gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) data recorded during two short-term monitoring surveys in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) at 12th May 2019 and at 22nd May 2020, during conditions of low and high human activity respectively. Results, although they are limited, can be considered as the representative range of exposure to GEM of the inhabitants of MCMA; differences in results reveal the impact of human activities on GEM background levels (2.53 and 3.76 ng m−3, respectively). GEM concentrations and their spatial distribution does not allow for the identification of important industrial sources and do not reach intervention pollution levels. The activity of the Popocatépetl volcano is not likely to have an effect on GEM in the MCMA. In spite the evident decrease in GEM concentrations compared with data previously reported, monitoring must be carried out routinely given Mexico's participation in the Minamata Convention on Mercury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mexico is one of the world's leading mercury producers and exporters. However, mercury mining is carried out using artisanal procedures, which highly impact ecosystems. In the municipality of Pinal de Amoles, Queretaro, Mexico, artisanal mercury mining (AMM) is practiced in a region that has been categorized as a Biosphere Reserve. Therefore, a holistic health risk assessment for mercury was performed in the region, including environmental monitoring (air, water, and soil) and mercury exposure in both humans (children, women, and miners) and biota (plants, rodents, and worms). The atmospheric mercury determination was carried out using the JEROME® J405 analyzer, whereas total mercury in environmental and biological samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry/cold vapor. Results showed that mercury concentrations in the environmental and biological matrices exceeded their respective reference values. These results demonstrate the direct influence of AMM in the increasing levels of mercury in all the components of the studied ecosystem. Therefore, comprehensive intervention strategies must be implemented to reduce and prevent human health and ecological risks due to the presence of mercury. In this regard, the Minamata Convention for mercury control should include biomonitoring programs not only for humans but also for critical ecological receptors in polluted ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China, the largest atmospheric mercury (Hg) emitter in the world, signed the Minamata Convention on Mercury in 2013 to control Hg emissions. Meanwhile, China aims to realize common prosperity, which emphasizes narrowing the income gaps. In this process, the income improvement of low-income groups may challenge atmospheric Hg emission reduction via the surge in consumption. However, little is known about the relationship between residents' income and Hg emissions. This study quantifies the atmospheric Hg footprints (i.e., atmospheric Hg emissions driven by the consumption) of income groups in urban and rural areas and reveals their socioeconomic drivers during 2007–2017. We observed a positive correlation between per capita Hg footprints and per capita income. Less developed inland regions (e.g., the Northwest and Middle of Yellow River) showed a much steeper growth trend of per capita Hg footprints with the increase of per capita income, with the growth rate ranging from 1.37 μg/¥ to 2.17 μg/¥ in 2017. This indicates that income improvement may threaten Hg emission reduction when pursuing common prosperity. Fortunately, for some developed coastal provinces (e.g., Shanghai, Tianjin, and Guangdong), changes in the consumption structure of urban high-income groups and the production structure have contributed significantly to the decrease of Hg emissions. Our findings enlighten the importance of promoting production and consumption transitions in reducing Hg emissions. Collaboration mechanisms should be established to transfer advanced technologies from developed regions to less developed regions. They can complement production-side measures and join forces to realize the win-win of Minamata Convention on Mercury and common prosperity. • Hg footprints of income groups and socioeconomic drivers in China are investigated. • Per capita Hg footprints in less developed regions grew steeper with increase in per capita income. • Consumption transition of high-income groups in some coastal provinces benefited Hg control. • Policy suggestions for win-win of Minamata Convention and common prosperity are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental amalgam has been the subject of several studies mainly on the emission of mercury vapor during its handling. The World Health Organization considers that the inhalation of mercury vapor can have adverse effects on the digestive, nervous, immune, pulmonary and renal levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate current practices in the management of dental amalgam waste produced at the level of dental practices in the cities of Rabat and Kenitra in Morocco. Methods: A questionnaire has been established to assess the situation of mercury waste management in dental practices and to make these physicians aware of the importance of this management. This study was conducted for a period of three months from April 15 through July 15, 2017. Results: Of the 172 questionnaires submitted to the dentists, 50 completed and usable questionnaires were retrieved. The response rate was 29%. The survey revealed that 68% (17) stated that their dental chair was not equipped with an amalgam separator, the spittoon being connected directly to the sewers. The average amount of dental amalgam used per dental office and per month was 5.6±17.33g. Among the dentists interviewed, 96% had no idea of ​​the Minamata convention. 54% (27) still use dental amalgam. Of these, 42% (21) still throw this waste into public garbage cans. Conclusion: Dentists share the overall responsibility for the reduction and elimination of toxic waste that can harm human health and the environment.

With the aim of protecting human life and the environment, the Minamata Convention seeks to reduce and monitor mercury (Hg) concentrations in the environment. Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) has been identified as the most important anthropogenic source of Hg at a global scale and an important route of human exposure to Hg. In this context, this study assessed total Hg (THg) in blood, urine and hair, and methylmercury (MeHg) in human hair samples from 238 participants with occupational exposure to Hg in the most relevant ASGM communities of Colombia. Mercury concentrations in different biological matrices were related to several variables of interest such as age, gender, body mass index, fish consumption, exposure time, and specific occupational activities, such as amalgamation and amalgam burning. The median values of THg in blood (3.70 µg/L), urine (4.00 µg/L) and hair (1.37 mg/kg), and hair MeHg (1.47 mg/kg) for all participants were below permissible concentrations set by WHO. However, about 40% of the miners showed Hg concentrations in blood, urine and/or hair above the WHO thresholds. In all the biological matrices studied, miners burning amalgams showed significantly higher concentrations than miners who did not burn amalgams, with values 7-, 7-, and 8-fold higher in blood, urine and hair, respectively. A multiple linear regression model revealed that burning amalgam and fish consumption were significant predictors of Hg exposure in miners. Miners from Guainía had the highest concentrations in urine and hair, most likely due to the high manipulation and burning of amalgam, and a high fish consumption. In contrast, miners from Caldas showed the lowest Hg concentrations in all the biomarkers because they do not manipulate or burn amalgam, as well as reporting the lowest fish consumption. Our study also highlighted that gold miners exposure to Hg depends on their work practices. Therefore, the implementation of a health education programme on gold mining strategies is required, especially in Guaina, Vaupés, Córdoba, and Antioquia departments.

Exposure to mercury (Hg) is a global concern, particularly among Arctic populations that rely on the consumption of marine mammals and fish which are the main route of Hg exposure for Arctic populations.The MercuNorth project was created to establish baseline Hg levels across several Arctic regions during the period preceding the Minamata Convention. Blood samples were collected from 669 pregnant women, aged 18–44 years, between 2010 and 2016 from sites across the circumpolar Arctic including Alaska (USA), Nunavik (Canada), Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Northern Lapland (Finland) and Murmansk Oblast (Russia). Descriptive statistics were calculated, multiple pairwise comparisons were made between regions, and unadjusted linear trend analyses were performed.Geometric mean concentrations of total Hg were highest in Nunavik (5.20 µg/L) and Greenland (3.79 µg/L), followed by Alaska (2.13 µg/L), with much lower concentrations observed in the other regions (ranged between 0.48 and 1.29 µg/L). In Nunavik, Alaska and Greenland, blood Hg concentrations have decreased significantly since 1992, 2000 and 2010 respectively with % annual decreases of 4.7%, 7.5% and 2.7%, respectively.These circumpolar data combined with fish and marine mammal consumption data can be used for assessing long-term Hg trends and the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury entered into force on August 16, 2017. It requires Parties to the Convention to control and, where feasible, reduce mercury emissions from the listed sources. To implement the Convention, Japan amended the Air Pollution Control Law and added clauses that force operators to control their mercury emissions below emission limit values (ELVs). The ELVs have been established separately for new and existing sources, targeting the source categories listed in the Convention: coal-fired boilers, smelting and roasting processes used in the production of non-ferrous metals (lead, zinc, copper and industrial gold), waste incineration facilities and cement clinker production facilities. The factors used to establish the ELVs include the present state of mercury emissions from the targeted categories as well as the mercury content in fuels and materials, best available techniques (BATs) and best environmental practices (BEPs) to control and reduce mercury emissions and ELVs or equivalent standards to control mercury emissions in other countries. In this regard, extensive data on mercury emissions from flue gas and the mercury content of fuels and materials were collected and analyzed. The established ELVs range from 8 μg/Nm3 for new coal-fired boilers to 400 μg/Nm3 for existing secondary smelting processes used in the production of copper, lead and zinc. This paper illustrates the ELVs for the targeted source categories, explaining the rationales and approaches used to set the values. The amended Law is to be enforced on April 1, 2018. From future perspectives, checks of the material flow of mercury, following up on the state of compliance, review of the ELVs and of the measurement and monitoring methods have been noted as important issues.

Environmental safety is one of the most important international and national tasks when using chemicals such as mercury, its compounds and mercury containing waste. Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant. Constant anthropogenic mercury emissions and its presence in food chains affects human and ecosystem health and cause serious concerns. When released into the atmosphere with various emissions, mercury is deposited on the ground or water surface. Due to the global transport of mercury in the environment, its release is possible near sources of pollution, as well as at a remote distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic heavy metal and a global pollutant. The Minamata Convention on mercury entered into force in August 2017, which aims to control and reduce global anthropogenic Hg emissions and use, and highlights that Hg pollution has become an important global environmental issue. At present, China is one of the larger countries on Hg production, use, and emission, which faced with great pressure of Hg pollution control and implementation of the Convention. Based on this background, this paper systematically describes the production, use, and emission of Hg in China, the migration, transformation, and health effects of Hg, the Minamata Convention on mercury, and the progress of Hg pollution control and implementation of Minamata Convention in China, and also points out five aspects on Hg research in China, which hopes to contribute to the environmental Hg pollution control and the implementation of the international convention in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Minamata Convention on Mercury, which entered into full force in August 2017, was signed by more than 100 countries, including several where artisanal and small-scale gold mining is practised, such as Brazil, China, Ecuador, Ghana, Peru and Colombia. Focused on Colombia, the country that likely faces the most difficult challenges to implement this convention, this paper discusses the extent of mercury pollution in the water sources of the country and the barriers Colombia must overcome to comply with the Minamata Convention. Many of these same barriers are also present in other countries impacted by artisanal and small-scale gold mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal cinnabar mining commenced in 2010 around Luhu on Seram (Ceram) Island, Indonesia. This study investigates the ore characteristics and environmental distribution and bioavailability of mercury in coastal sediments from eight sites adjacent to, and north and south of the mining area. Sediment and ore samples were digested using 1:3 HNO 3 :HCl for total extractable metal determination and separate samples were extracted with 1.0 HCl for bioavailable metals (Hg, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni and Pb). Analysis was completed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Ore defined by miners as 'first class ore' was around 50 % cinnabar. Mercury concentrations were extremely elevated in near coastal sediments (up to 2796 mg/kg) with bioavailable concentrations exceeding 450 mg/kg. Marine sediments elevated in mercury extend to the north and south of the coastal mine site and cover in excess of 14 km. Total organic carbon in marine sediments was relatively low (predominately <0.6 %) suggesting mercury methylation will likely be slow, however, inorganic mercury is a known toxicant. Other metals of environmental concern (Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni and Pb) in sediments were not strongly associated with the mining operations, rather were elevated around coastal villages, but not at concentrations that raise immediate concerns. • Source cinnabar ores contain ~50 % mercury which is separated gravimetrically. • Coastal sediments near cinnabar mining contain up to 2796 mg/kg Hg. • Bioavailable Hg was 16–83 % of the total and up to 458 mg/kg. • Sediment elevated in Hg extend at least 14 km along the coastline. • Processed cinnabar to form liquid Hg enables small scale gold mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]