Corrosion risks of mercury pollution and contamination: Economic, ecological, and safety perspectives

Mercury (Hg) pollution has been widely recognized for its severe ecological and health impacts on humans; however, its role in corrosion-related material degradation has received comparatively limited attention. This review examines the mechanisms and risks of mercury-induced corrosion, integrating insights from corrosion science, environmental chemistry, and industrial case studies. It also explores the effects of mercury pollution on industrial corrosion, mercury speciation, surface deposition, environmental cycling of Hg, and corrosion mechanisms, including amalgamation, liquid metal embrittlement (LME), passive film destabilization, and microgalvanic coupling. Finally, the review discusses emerging strategies to mitigate mercury-induced corrosion, including corrosion-resistant materials, protective coatings, mercury-capture technologies, and improved monitoring approaches. By linking corrosion mechanisms to environmental mercury dynamics, this work highlights the importance of integrating materials engineering, environmental risk assessment, and policy frameworks to better manage mercury-related hazards in industrial and environmental systems.