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. 2024 Feb 19;12(2):162.
doi: 10.3390/toxics12020162.

Analysis of Mercury in Aquifers in Gold Mining Areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon and Its Associated Risk for Human Health

Irene Passarelli  1 , Michelle Vanessa Villacis Verdesoto  2 , Samantha Jiménez-Oyola  3 , Ana Gabriela Flores Huilcapi  4 , Demmy Mora-Silva  5 , Giorgio Anfuso  6 , Jose Fernando Esparza Parra  7 , Mirian Jimenez-Gutierrez  2 , Luis Santiago Carrera Almendáriz  2 , Victor Gabriel Avalos Peñafiel  2 , Salvatore Straface  1 , Carlos Mestanza-Ramón  1
Affiliations

Analysis of Mercury in Aquifers in Gold Mining Areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon and Its Associated Risk for Human Health

Irene Passarelli et al. Toxics. .

Abstract

Gold mining activity is a source of supply in many areas of the world, and especially in developing countries, it is practiced illegally and by applying unsafe techniques. Particularly in Ecuador, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is widespread, and it is based on the use of toxic substances, such as mercury (Hg), in gold recovery. Hg is a heavy metal that is water-insoluble, which, once mobilized, poses a threat to both the environment and human health. This study analyzes Hg concentrations in the six provinces of Napo, Sucumbíos, Orellana, Pastaza, Morona Santiago, and Zamora Chinchipe of the Ecuadorian Amazon region to conduct a human health risk assessment. Significant differences in Hg levels were found between provinces, but concentrations were below MPL imposed by Ecuadorian regulations everywhere. Nevertheless, a worrisome picture emerges, especially with regard to the most vulnerable receptors represented by the child population. There are multiple factors of incidence that may affect the possible future development of the phenomenon, and with reference to the social, economic, and environmental context of the region, it can be concluded that it may be appropriate to plan further investigation to arrive at a more comprehensive assessment. The results of this study can be used by decision makers to plan further investigation and to implement monitoring networks, risk mitigation strategies, and groundwater protection measures.

Keywords: Ecuadorian Amazon; artisanal small-scale mining; environmental and health risks; groundwater pollution; risk evaluation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study area and location of the sampled sites.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Point risk map of hazard index (HI) for receptors exposed to polluted ground waters in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Boxplot of hazard quotient for (a) adult ingestion, (b) child ingestion, (c) adult dermal contact, and (d) child dermal contact. HQ values are given in logarithm.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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