Mercury pollution in the Upper Beni River, Amazonian Basin: Bolivia

Article Abstract:

Mercury pollution from amalgamation activities related to small-scale gold mining in the Upper Beni River area, in the Bolivian part of the Amazonian Basin, is discussed. Mercury levels in water, fish and human hair were measured, and high concentrations were found in fish and human hair of those who eat carnivorous fish species downstream from mining sites, not of those doing the mining.

Bolivia, Statistical Data Included, Mining industry, Physiological aspects, Gold industry, Statistics, Pollution, Amazon River region, Food chains (Ecology), Food chains, Mercury (Metal), Mercury in the body, Tropics

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Recovery of mercury-contaminated fisheries

Article Abstract:

A study to synthesize available information on the links between changes in ecosystem loading of inorganic mercury (Hg) and levels of methylmercury (MeHg) in fish was conducted. Findings suggest that changes in Hg loading would yield a response in fish MeHg, but the timing and magnitude of the response would vary depending on ecosystem-specific variables and the form of the Hg loaded.

Commercial Fishing, Fishing, Edible Fish, Mercury poisoning

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Mobilization of mercury and methylmercury from forest soils after a severe storm-fell event

Article Abstract:

An increased mobilization of mercury and methylmercury from forest soils to aquatic ecosystems is illustrated by two study examples. The results suggest that wind throw and logging of storm-felled trees with associated damage to soils leads to increase of MeHg leaching in relation to degree of damage.

Storms, Methylmercury, Methylmercury compounds, Soil ecology

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