Probabilistic assessment of regional mercury exposure

A methodology for the probabilistic assessment of regional exposure to mercury is presented. The methodology is based on a multimedia model of the atmospheric fate and transport of mercury over a continental scale, and the aquatic simulation of the transformation and bioaccumulation of mercury in lakes in the region of interest. A probabilistic approach allows one to take into account the spatial variability of environmental characteristics and the variability of dose-related variables (e.g., fish consumption, body weight) among individuals. The methodology is demonstrated for total mercury deposition in the Great Lakes region of the U.S.