The Effects of Methylmercury on Wildlife: A Comprehensive Review and Approach for Interpretation

Mercury is a widespread pollutant where anthropogenic releases greatly exceed geogenic ones across all global ecosystems. In response, wildlife generally have elevated body burdens of methylmercury (MeHg). While organisms can demethylate and depurate environmental MeHg loads, the high toxicity of MeHg and the physiological limitations of animals can potentially generate body burdens that cause significant harm.