Mercury: To Use or Not to Use?

Mercury, Hg, is a metallic element that is liquid at standard temperatures and pressure. It is a poor conductor of heat, but conducts electricity. This element is most commonly used in thermometers, barometers, batteries, dental amalgams, and switches for electrical apparatus. Although humans do use it, all forms of Mercury are considered to be dangerous, particularly methylmercury, causing a decrease in the use of this element. However, we are unable to completely eliminate intake of Mercury as it is widespread in the environment. Micro-organisms in polluted waters can produce methylmercury, which then can be absorbed by the fish, leading to humans along the food chain. If too much is ingested, mercury can have a negative effect on the central nervous system.

            Mercury can be found in most deposits throughout the world as cinnabar, mercuric sulfide. These deposits are mostly found in Spain and Italy, containing around 50% of the supply of Mercury. There are also some mines in Alaska. In order to mine for it, the cinnabar must be heated in an air current, condensing the vapour, which in turn, produces the purist form of mercuric sulfide in the red pigment vermilion. Once Mercury is extracted, it easily forms alloys, called amalgans, with gold, silver, and tin. Today, it is useful to recover gold from ores and manufacture sodium hydroxide and chlorine. These uses are some of the only ones left for this dangerous metal.

This map illustrates the Mercury emissions globally

Sources: 

http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/80/mercury

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)

http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs-0072-94/

Here is a timeline combining major events and inventions over history with the discovery and usage of materials. This provides a framework for these materials. It also helps in knowing how the materials might have been of use or played a part in the events listed on this timeline. Everything links together and progresses with time. Without the discovery of certain elements, other inventions would not have been possible.

Great Barrier Reef vs. the Mining Industry

As the largest coral reef ecosystem on Earth, the Great Barrier Reef on the Queensland coast holds an enormous amount of marine plants and animals, bringing in a huge boost to the economy in this area through tourism. Industrial developments such as the world's largest coal port at Abbot Point and the port of Gladstone Harbour are taking their toll on the biodiversity and life of the reef. Although the export of coal and gas is essential to the lifestyles of people today, the wildlife and the tourism industry are being damaged. Many campaigns and conservation groups have been created to fight for the elimination of the dredging and dumping. Watch the video below to find out more about the problems with mining!