Formation and accumulation of methylmercury in organisms

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1977 · Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0147-6513(77)90040-9· OSTI ID:6132137

Imura, N; Pan, S; Shimizu, M; Ukita, T; Tonomura, K

Methylation of mercury seems to be a common reaction, at least in microorganisms. The factor that is responsible for methylation of mercury in the anaerobe Clostridium cochlearium is characterized. The possible role of the methylation factor in the accumulation of methylmercury in pelagic fish is investigated. Suggested is a method by which mercurials taken from their surroundings by tuna are converted to the methylated form in the liver and transported to the meat for accumulation. (4 graphs, 19 references, 2 tables)

• Research Organization: Kitasato Univ, Tokyo
• OSTI ID: 6132137
• Journal Information: Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf.; (United States), Vol. 1:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
METHYLMERCURY
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
TUNA
CONTAMINATION
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
FISHES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC MERCURY COMPOUNDS
VERTEBRATES
560305* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Vertebrates- (-1987)
520200 - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)