Global compendium of mercury-contaminated sites

The UNEP Minamata Convention aims to reduce mercury (Hg) contamination and reduce people’s exposure to MethylHg (MeHg). Global Hg-contaminated sites are important Hg contamination sources to the environment. This chapter reviews the forms of Hg and their major biogeochemical transformation processes, contamination of Hg in soils, plants, and water, as well as human Hg exposure at different Hg-contaminated regions throughout the world. Furthermore, we document the recent research that has been done on progress made in the remediation of Hg-contaminated farmlands. This knowledge will greatly assist researchers who work on Hg contamination issues and refining techniques for Hg remediation.