[jmh80]

D - question. How would a base go about neutralizing a metal like Hg? Wouldn't we need a complexing agent?

I'm thinking this is present as elemental Hg, not in ion form in the body. So, it wouldn't be that reactive.

[cable626]

thanks Dr. D. I'm going to switch to chunk light tuna, it has less mercury levels (.13 ppm)
Better safe than sorry.
thanks again!

[DR.D]

Originally Posted by jmh80

D - question. How would a base go about neutralizing a metal like Hg? Wouldn't we need a complexing agent?

I'm thinking this is present as elemental Hg, not in ion form in the body. So, it wouldn't be that reactive.

The natural valence of Hg is +1 or +2, so it's charged. A base like calcium bicarbonate is too, but in the stomach the environment has Cl which is -1. So HgCl is formed which is less charged and much more water soluble. Taking a base just helps get it past the stomach and to the gut where it's basic anyway and wouldn't likely be absorbed.