Joan O. Grimalt
Research Professor at the CSIC, Department of Environmental Chemistry at the Institute of Environmental Diagnosis and Water Studies (IDAEA-CSIC)
"What the article says is reasonable, but it doesn't go into much detail about what's happening. It doesn't define the causes of the increase in mercury transported by rivers. It refers to an increase in commercial activities and nothing else.
The study is consistent with existing evidence that mercury has risen, but it does not compare it with atmospheric inputs, which are also important".
What are the consequences of this increase for human health?
"The increase in mercury is harmful to human health because this compound is neurotoxic".
To what extent is this a problem for Spanish rivers? Which Spanish rivers are most at risk?
"I don't have data on mercury inputs to the sea from Spanish rivers at a global level. There are some partial studies".