Mercury-tainted fish found widely in U.S. streams

08-20-2009 • Reuters

Scientists have detected mercury contamination in every one of hundreds of fish sampled from 291 freshwater streams.

More than a quarter of those fish contained concentrations of mercury exceeding levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency for the protection of people who eat average amounts of fish, the U.S. Geological Survey report said.

More than two-thirds exceeded the EPA-set level of concern for fish-eating mammals.

2 Comments in Response to Mercury-tainted fish found widely in U.S. streams

Comment by Bill Holmes

Entered on: 8/20/2009 1:54:57 PM

Most such analyses are spectral analyses, which onl disclose the elements. They don't reveal the molecules. According to a UCSD researcher, most mercury in fish is bound by selenium, making the fish safe to eat.

Comment by foundZero

Entered on: 8/20/2009 10:36:10 AM

This points out the inadequacy of the current thinking of environmental redress via private property law in court. How exactly is that supposed to work in this case?

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