Hg and Se in foodstuffs grown near a Hg mining area

Abstract
Mercury contamination of local foodstuffs bas been investigated in an area highly polluted with mercury due to the former Idrija mercury mine activities from 1508-1994. The contents of mercury were checked in selected samples of seasonal vegetables. Determinations of selenium were included due to its beneficial effects against mercury toxicity in living organisms. The most interesting observation was that in carrot an increase of Hg content was accompanied by decrease of Se.