In the aquatic environment, mercury can be: dissolved or suspended in the water trapped in the sediments ingested by living things (biota)
	Methylmercury is the form of mercury most available and most toxic to biota (including zooplankton, insects, fish, and humans). This form of mercury is easily taken up by biota and bioaccumulates in their tissues. Unlike many other fish contaminants, such as PCBs, dioxin, and DDT, mercury does not concentrate in the fat, but in the muscle tissue. Thus, there is no simple way to remove mercury-contaminated portions from fish that is to be eaten.
	The local aquatic environment largely determines how much available mercury takes the accessible toxic for of methylmercury. Research suggests that sulfur-using bacteria are a major source. The extent of biomethylation may depend upon such factors such as pH, (i.e. alkalinity), available sulfur sources, and dissolved organic materials.

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