(92i) An Engineering Perspective on the Impact of Mercury on Mobile Bay

This report investigates, through an engineering perspective, the effects of mercury on the environment and the impact of mercury contamination in Mobile Bay. The study aims first to educate on the topic of mercury contamination, and second to persuade as to the importance of this education. The study was based on previous research conducted both locally and globally, and accessed via internet search. The report includes both sources and cycles of the most dangerous form of mercury - methylmercury. Also, the health concerns of mercury are investigated with examples provided from contaminations in Japan and Iraq. Next, global efforts of mercury emission control by several countries, as well as the United Nations, are studied. Finally, focus is placed on mercury contamination in Mobile Bay and the nearby Gulf of Mexico. It is shown in this study that the mechanisms for the conversion of mercury into the dangerous methylmercury form are only vaguely understood. Also, Mobile Bay and its surrounding areas are shown to be prone to mercury contamination due to its industrial history and its ecological tendency towards methylization. The report recommends further study of methylmercury content in finfish in Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, the report recommends the solutions to mercury contamination instituted by other nations be analyzed to determine if they may be adapted to benefit Mobile Bay. Lastly, the report recommends a greater em-phasis on mercury education for residents of the Mobile Bay area.