ST. LAWRENCE INFO

Where Does the Mercury in the St. Lawrence River Come From?

An Environment Canada research team estimated that 5.9 kmol of mercury — or roughly one metric ton — is exported to the estuary annually. But what is the source of this estimated mercury load in the river?

• Tributaries and internal erosion of the river have contributed a total of 75% of the mercury load;
• Lake Ontario has contributed less than 10%;
• Anthropogenic point sources, like municipal effluents, have contributed 5%.

To know more, consult the following paper on the Environmental Science and Technology Web site:

Quémerais, B., D. Cossa, B. Rondeau, T. T. Pham, P. Gagnon, and B. Fortin. 1999. Sources and fluxes of mercury in the St. Lawrence River. Environmental Science and Technology 33: 840-849.

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