It is estimated that from the time of ancient Rome, around 500 BC, humans have released hundreds of thousands of tons of Hg into the atmosphere ? more than enough to influence natural Hg concentrations in seawater.

• 数据显示，自公元前500年罗马时代以来，人类向大气中排放了数十万吨甚至更多的汞，足以影响到大气、海洋、地表的汞含量。