Occurrence of Alkylmercury Compound in Caustic Soda Factory

Abstract

A compound resembling methyl mercury has been found in the area surrounding a caustic soda factory where only metallic mercury has been used in the manufacturing process. Most of methyl mercury occurs in the sludge of a treatment pit for effluent water that contains inorganic mercury. Chemical characteristics identifying the physical properties and toxicity of the compound all indicate the probability that the substance is methyl mercury.