Removing mercury from water, petroleum and natural gas, without leaving additional toxic waste, is now possible with a technique developed at the Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Engineering Research, at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. The material passes through a tube with absorbent phosphate solids, which fix the heavy metal in its structure. When the absorbent is regenerated, the mercury becomes volatile and then condenses. “The usual problem is storing the waste, which if not done appropriately can be released into the environment,” project coordinator Vera Salim told Tierramérica.

Mercury is a highly toxic metal that is released by industrial processes and the burning of fossil fuels. It can travel long distances, carried by the wind, rivers or even migratory birds.

“Organic mercury is the most lethal. It can be found in fish, which if consumed, can ultimately poison humans,” said the researcher.