Methylmercury is a dangerous toxin that often ends up in the fish we eat. It’s released into the environment through industrial activities, particularly the burning of coal. Once in the water, this harmful compound is easily absorbed by fish and other aquatic creatures. It accumulates in their tissues over time, and as smaller fish get eaten by larger ones, the problem worsens. This cycle can ultimately lead to humans consuming contaminated fish, putting their health at risk. High mercury levels can cause various health issues, including damage to the nervous system and kidneys, and can even affect unborn children.
To tackle this issue, researchers from Macquarie University in Australia are exploring an innovative solution. Dr. Kate Tepper and Assoc. Prof. Maciej Maselko are using genetically modified zebrafish and fruit flies to help eliminate methylmercury from the ecosystem. By inserting genes from E. coli bacteria into these creatures, they are making them produce special enzymes that convert methylmercury into a much safer form called elemental mercury.
During laboratory tests, the converted elemental mercury was found to evaporate as gas from the animals’ bodies. The scientists suspect that zebrafish likely released it through their gills or skin, which wouldn’t pose a risk to the environment.
Interestingly, elemental mercury is less likely to accumulate in the body compared to methylmercury. In fact, the modified zebrafish and flies ended up having less than half the mercury levels of normal versions. Additionally, these modified creatures have been engineered to be sterile, which prevents them from reproducing in the wild.
However, more research is needed before they can be safely released into the environment. Beyond using the modified creatures in nature, there are potential industrial applications as well. The scientists are excited about possibly using them to process organic waste, especially in enclosed facilities where mercury could be contained more effectively.
In conclusion, this research offers a glimmer of hope in the battle against methylmercury contamination in our waters. There’s a lot of potential in using these modified organisms to help clean up our ecosystems, making our environment safer for both wildlife and humans alike.
