The berries from the juniper tree are used in flavouring the alcohol called 'gin'.
Mercury levels rising fast in northern waterways
Mercury levels rising fast in northern waterways Recent research suggests that mercury levels in
waterways are rising across the North. The levels are so high in
some of the lakes near the Mackenzie River in the Northwest
Territories that officials suggest that, for safety reasons, only 4
ounces of each fish caught should be eaten. It is thought that
approximately half of the thousands of lakes found in northern
Canada may contain at least some fish with mercury levels in excess
of what is considered safe for consumption. Another study reports
that mercury concentrations have doubled since 1975 in the eggs of
thick-billed murres, a type of sea-bird, in Lancaster Sound.
Mercury levels are also increasing in beluga whales and ring seals.
Mercury is a natural element and can be released by activities that
involve burning, such as coal-fired generators, diesel engines and
municipal burning. Mercury levels are rising throughout the world
but the Arctic is especially affected. In temperate climates,
mercury evaporates back into the atmosphere but the low
temperatures found in the Arctic concentrate the mercury on the
land and in the sea. 12 JULY 1999
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