Classical and contemporary methods for conversion of toxic unstable mercury to safe and stable mercury

Abstract

Different nations of world are trying to eradicate use of mercury from the world because of its harmful effect on ecosystem that ultimately affect on human and wildlife, but there is problem of disposal because of its liquid nature. For this purpose various processing technologies were developed to convert it in to compound formulations which are stable at normal temperature and pressures as well as non-toxic in nature. In this sequence different technologies were developed by ancient and contemporary researchers for physical and chemical stabilization of mercury. Physical stabilization is done by amalgamation process that converts mercury in to solid form and less toxic in comparison to liquid mercury. This physical stabilization methodology is closely resembles Parad Bandh which is quoted in classical literature of Rasa Shastra. In chemical stabilization, mercury is converted in to non toxic compound mainly by chemical reaction with sulphur by Mayasa and DELA technology and resulting in formation of black and red colour mercury sulphide. These technologies are quite comparable to pharmaceutical technology of Parpati and Kupi pakwa developed by ancient researchers of Ayurveda. And these preparations are indicated for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and disorders starting from acute disorders to chronic nature. In this way we can say that contemporary science can develop stabilization technology of mercury only for mercury disposal while Ayurvedic researchers developed expertise to convert these disposed mercury for the benefit of humanity since 12th century. © 2016, National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR). All rights reserved.