Journal of Heavy Metal Research
Quarterly Publication

A Review of the Ecological Effects of Mercury Pollution in Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems

https://doi.org/10.22034/jhmr.2026.594047.1023
Volume 1, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
Summer 2026
Pages 18-33
Journal of Heavy Metal Research

Document Type : Review

Authors

Esmaeil Gholinezhad 1
Saiedeh Salavati 2

1 Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Agricultural Science, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic and persistent environmental pollutant released into ecosystems through both natural processes and human activities. Its environmental persistence, potential transformation into methylmercury (MeHg), and capacity for bioaccumulation and biomagnification pose substantial risks to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Although the Minamata Convention on Mercury provides an international framework for reducing mercury emissions and releases, climate change, permafrost thaw, and land-use changes may alter mercury mobilization, transport, and transformation, potentially complicating ecosystem recovery. Vegetation also plays an important role in the global mercury cycle by facilitating the transfer of atmospheric mercury to terrestrial surfaces, although the magnitude of this contribution varies among ecosystems and environmental conditions. This review examines the major sources and biogeochemical cycling of mercury, its toxicity mechanisms, its effects on aquatic and terrestrial organisms, the consequences of bioaccumulation and biomagnification, and approaches to monitoring and managing mercury pollution. Important knowledge gaps remain regarding mercury uptake and cycling in plants, the interactive effects of climate change on mercury methylation and methylmercury accumulation, and the incorporation of socioeconomic scenarios into environmental risk assessment models. Addressing these gaps through international cooperation, capacity building, improved monitoring, and the development of cost-effective remediation technologies could strengthen mercury risk management and support long-term ecosystem recovery.

Keywords

Ecological effects
Climate change
Mercury
Methylmercury
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 27 July 2026
  • Revise Date 08 August 2026
  • Accept Date 31 August 2026
  • Publish Date 01 September 2026

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