Impact of gold mining associated with mercury contamination in soil, biota sediments and tailings in Kenya.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
; 21(21): 12426-35, 2014 Nov.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-24943890
ABSTRACT
This work considered the environmental impact of artisanal mining gold activity in the Migori-Transmara area (Kenya). From artisanal gold mining, mercury is released to the environment, thus contributing to degradation of soil and water bodies. High mercury contents have been quantified in soil (140 µg kg(-1)), sediment (430 µg kg(-1)) and tailings (8,900 µg kg(-1)), as expected. The results reveal that the mechanism for transporting mercury to the terrestrial ecosystem is associated with wet and dry depositions. Lichens and mosses, used as bioindicators of pollution, are related to the proximity to mining areas. The further the distance from mining areas, the lower the mercury levels. This study also provides risk maps to evaluate potential negative repercussions. We conclude that the Migori-Transmara region can be considered a strongly polluted area with high mercury contents. The technology used to extract gold throughout amalgamation processes causes a high degree of mercury pollution around this gold mining area. Thus, alternative gold extraction methods should be considered to reduce mercury levels that can be released to the environment.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Contexto em Saúde:
2_ODS3
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Solo
/
Poluentes do Solo
/
Resíduos
/
Monitoramento Ambiental
/
Sedimentos Geológicos
/
Meio Ambiente
/
Mercúrio
Tipo de estudo:
Risk_factors_studies
País/Região como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
Ano de publicação:
2014
Tipo de documento:
Article