How does mercury pollution affect living organisms?

Mercury pollution has a significant impact on living organisms primarily because it contaminates various ecosystems and biomagnifies through the food chain. When mercury enters the environment, often through industrial processes or the burning of fossil fuels, it can accumulate in water bodies as methylmercury, a highly toxic form.

Once in the aquatic environment, small organisms like plankton absorb this mercury. As larger organisms consume these smaller ones, the concentration of mercury increases in their bodies - a process known as biomagnification. This means that higher trophic levels in the food chain, such as fish, birds, and mammals, can end up with significantly higher levels of mercury than their prey.

This accumulation poses serious health risks, including neurological damage, impaired reproductive capabilities, and other toxic effects, making it a critical concern for wildlife and humans alike. Ultimately, this toxicity can lead to reduced populations of affected species and disrupt entire ecosystems.