 Last Updated: 05/06/2005 |
Mercury in Lake Wissota and Wisconsin's Lakes & River Systems |
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ABSTRACT Mercury is an element that is naturally occurring and from human activity. For the most part, mercury contamination in Wisconsin’s water bodies is a result of burning coal and atmospheric deposition, and can have harmful effects on human beings and wildlife. Mercury contamination in the environment can be very harmful, especially with prolonged or repeated exposure. Significant mercury contamination that we see in Wisconsin is generally in our lakes and river system’s fish population. People and animals are exposed to this risk by then eating contaminated fish. The population that is most at risk for mercury contamination is pregnant women, as well as young children. However, there are ways to avoid consuming highly mercury contaminated fish without giving up eating fish altogether. The Wisconsin DNR now issues mercury advisories for local lakes and river systems to help control the exposure of humans to contamination. Recently, the DNR has offered safe eating guidelines for people to follow to reduce the risk of mercury exposure. Studies are being done to learn the interactions of mercury and the environment in order to find a management solution.
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