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From ancient times, mercury has been of researchers' interest due to its unique properties. It is the only metal occurring in normal conditions in a liquid from and having a high surface tension. Its toxicity has been recognized in Roman times when slaves extracted mercury from mines (in Almaden in Spain) whichto this day remain the main source of mercury mining. From the Middle Ages to modern times, mercury, in this case mercury vapours, whichare responsible foreyes and throat inflammationas well as neurotoxicity symptoms. In the XIII century, Theophilus warned that before starting the gilding process (amalgamation) one should eat a meal as mercury vapours are particularly dangerous to human health.
Nowadays, more attention is paid to mercury compunds. this paper focuses mainly on methylmercury (MeHg) which is the latest subject of intensive research. Methylmercury (MeHg) research area has a broad spectrum which includes inter alia inquiry on biomethylation, bioaccumulation and health effects that are causedby exposure to this compound.
Investigation methods were based on the determination of total mercury using ICP-MS system (leachate) and SPME-GC-MS (landfill gas). With using of these techniques presence low levels of mercury in landfills was confirmed. Our results suggest that mercury undergoes biomethylationin landfills creating organomercury compounds such as MeHg (methylmercury) and DMeHg (dimethylmercury).
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