Nearly Half of US Lakes and Reservoirs Contain Fish with Toxins That May Affect Human Health
Fish in Nearly Half of US Lakes and Reservoirs Contain Toxins That May Affect Human Health
(Agricultural Wealth Network) According to research results released by the US Environmental Protection Agency on the 10th, mercury levels in fish from nearly half of the lakes and reservoirs in the United States exceed federal government standards and may affect human health.
The Environmental Protection Agency conducted a survey of 500 lakes and reservoirs across the United States between 2000 and 2003, and tests on the fish samples collected found that all contained metallic mercury and the organic compound polychlorinated biphenyls. Researchers found that mercury levels in fish from 49% of the surveyed lakes and reservoirs exceeded the safe human intake standards set by the EPA. The survey results also showed that polychlorinated biphenyl levels in fish from 17% of the lakes and reservoirs exceeded the standard. Researchers believe that coal-fired power stations are the primary source of mercury pollution in lakes and reservoirs.
The Environmental Protection Agency conducted a survey of 500 lakes and reservoirs across the United States between 2000 and 2003, and tests on the fish samples collected found that all contained metallic mercury and the organic compound polychlorinated biphenyls. Researchers found that mercury levels in fish from 49% of the surveyed lakes and reservoirs exceeded the safe human intake standards set by the EPA. The survey results also showed that polychlorinated biphenyl levels in fish from 17% of the lakes and reservoirs exceeded the standard. Researchers believe that coal-fired power stations are the primary source of mercury pollution in lakes and reservoirs.