Mercury pollution in Suriname – A threat to family health

OBJECTIVE: To examine the magnitude of mercury pollution of the aquatic environment in Suriname, to demonstrate that most mercury contamination originates from small-scale gold mining and to show the adverse health effects of mercury exposure in human population of the interior. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In geographically dispersed locations across Suriname, bottom sediment and fish were analysed for mercury. To demonstrate the anthropogenic source of the mercury, core samples in flood plains were analysed to determine the pattern of mercury levels with depth. Mercury exposure was documented in five village communities through dietary surveys and hair analysis. RESULTS: Both bottom sediments and predatory fish were often above international norms in most areas of Suriname, including outside the mining area. All samples taken at marine mud flats were low in mercury. Core samples from coastal flood plains showed decreasing levels of mercury with depth. Mercury levels in the human population were elevated, but on average below the US Environmental Protection Agency Benchmark Dose. The highest levels occurred in a village upstream of any gold mining, isolated from access to other parts of the country. CONCLUSIONS: Most of Suriname is polluted with mercury, directly resulting from unsafe small-scale gold mining practices, or indirectly through water or wind deposition. The pattern of mercury in core samples demonstrates the anthropogenic source of the mercury. Villagers in the interior of Suriname show elevated levels of mercury, levels depending on the amount of local fish consumed and therefore on the degree of isolation of the village.

Fish faddism causing low-level mercury poisoning in the Caribbean: two case reports

Two otherwise healthy middle-aged males presented with persistent abdominal and lower- back pain, progressive weakness, paraesthesias, fatigue and weight loss over 8-12 months. Extensive work-up failed to localize organ pathology. Both men, strongly aware of the nutritional benefits of fish had a diet dedicated of canned and fresh fish. Raised blood mercury levels confirmed clinical suspicion and serial levels declined with symptom resolution after excluding dietary fish. To gain reported health benefits of fish as a healthy food modest consumption is encouraged. Efforts to monitor fish consumption and mercury residues in fish are recommended in Trinidad and Tobago.