Determining Mercury Levels in Sea Sponges from Nigeria’s Niger Delta

What is it about?

Mercury is a highly toxic metal that can damage the nervous system, harm wildlife, and pose serious health risks to people. In the Niger Delta, ongoing oil refining and waste disposal have led to mercury pollution in rivers and oceans, threatening both marine life and communities that rely on these waters. Monitoring mercury levels is essential, but traditional testing methods are expensive and complicated. This study introduces a simpler, more affordable technique to measure mercury in sea sponges, which act like natural filters and can reveal how polluted the water is. The results show that mercury contamination is present in the Niger Delta, meaning cleanup and stricter controls are urgently needed. This new method could make routine mercury monitoring easier and help protect ecosystems and human health.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because: Mercury is Highly Toxic Mercury can damage the brain, kidneys, and nervous system in humans and is deadly to marine life. It builds up in the food chain, meaning people who eat seafood are at risk. Niger Delta Pollution is a Serious Issue Oil refining and waste disposal in the Niger Delta release mercury into rivers and oceans, threatening ecosystems and communities that depend on fishing. Monitoring Mercury is Difficult and Expensive Traditional testing methods require costly equipment and complex procedures, making routine monitoring hard in resource-limited regions. This Study Offers a Practical Solution The new method is simpler, cheaper, and accurate, using sea sponges as natural indicators of pollution. This makes it easier to track contamination and take action. Supports Environmental and Public Health Protection Knowing where mercury levels are high helps authorities plan clean-up efforts and protect people from exposure.

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