Irrigation mercury

J. Royhans, P. Walson, G. Wood, and W. MacDonald, Mercury toxicity following merthiolate ear irrigations, J. Pediatr., 104, 311 (1984). 

Average THg concentrations increased progressively at Flix, Asco, and Xerta sites and decreased at the irrigation channels of the Delta. This result evidences a mercury pollution transport downstream from the Flix plant until Xerta. Differences found when comparing water conductivity at Flix, Asco, and Xerta sites [48] with... 

Delta irrigation channels (Faria, personal communication) indicate a saline water intrusion in the irrigation channels of the Delta. This saline intrusion may cause a dilution of mercury pollution originated at the chlor-alkali plant, hence resulting in lower average THg concentrations in Delta specimens. 

Fatal mercury (and borate) intoxication has been reported after irrigation of the ear with 0.1% thiomersal and 0.14% sodium borate for purulent otitis media, which was refractory to antibiotic therapy over 4 weeks (SED-11, 483) (33). 

Mercury can be substantially be remobilized due to the change in the land-use, in particular in areas naturally elevated in mercury and in areas previously polluted by mercury. Such activities include farmland, clear cutting and water reservoirs (hydroelectric, aquaculture, irrigation). These activities may considerably enhance the release of mercury to aquatic systems and the bioaccumulation of mercury in organisms. There is a growing body of evidence... 

Proposed mercury criteria for crop protection (Table 19.1) include <0.2 xg/L in irrigation water, and <0.2-<0.5mg/kg DW in soils of several countries, although higher levels are allowable in cropland soils of New... 

---