Mercury methylation

Mercury methylation is the process of forming methylmercury (MeHg). The methylation of mercury can occur abiotically or biotically. Biotically, the primary methylators of mercury are sulfate-reducing and iron-reducing bacteria. Three mechanisms have been proposed for the biotic methylation of mercury by sulfate-reducing bacteria. Sulfate-reducing bacteria, iron-reducing bacteria, and methanogens are observed to be responsible for the formation of methylmercury in anoxic waters and sediments. They are commonly detected as the main methylators in anaerobic environments. On the other hand, recent studies have shown that methylation of mercury can also occur in oxic waters through the same pathways (hgcAB gene pair).

Mercury methylation can be problematic as methylmercury is toxic and can be bio-magnified and bioaccumulated through the food web.

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