Retort (IMAGE) Michigan State University Caption Artisanal gold miners work with a retort constructed out of metal. Collaborating with miners and local metal workers, Michigan State University researchers helped provide artisanal and small-scale gold mines with devices called retorts that restrict mercury emissions. Retorts capture mercury vapors and exhaust them into water, where the mercury condenses and can be collected. Credit Courtesy Falaye Danfakha Usage Restrictions None License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.