Insights into the factors influencing mercury concentrations in tropical reservoir sediments

Baptista-Salazar, Carluvy; Quadra, Gabrielle Rabelo; Sobek, Anna; Jonsson, Sofi

doi:10.1039/d1em00156f

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 71 publications

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“…In the boreal Canadian reservoirs, MeHg levels increased 3 to 6 times post-impoundment flooding and remained high several decades later [141]. In the tropics, reservoirs have been observed to increase MeHg production from Hg-laden surface sediments, which bioaccumulate to harmful levels in organisms [142]. In that study, THg accumulation ranged from 50 to 200 ng/g in reservoirs with a surface area between 80 and 400 km 2 .…”

Section: Socioeconomic Environmental and Human Health Impacts Of Asgm...mentioning

confidence: 65%

Aquatic Mercury Pollution from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Sub-Saharan Africa: Status, Impacts, and Interventions

Mulenga,

Ouma,

Monde

et al. 2024

Water

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Mercury (Hg) pollution remains an environmental global concern due to its non-degradable and toxic nature. Natural and anthropogenic sources of Hg adversely affect the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and biological processes. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), unregulated artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) contributes up to 20% of global gold production and uses 205–496 tonnes/yr of Hg. Despite being a vital economic driver for 20–30 million people, ASGM threatens the health of aquatic systems from Hg pollution, presenting a complex challenge that demands urgent interventions. This review seeks to (1) establish the current status of aquatic Hg pollution, (2) explore the environmental impacts of aquatic Hg, and (3) highlight the proposed interventions for aquatic Hg pollution in SSA. We examined publications and institutional reports between 2000 and 2023 addressing aquatic Hg pollution, impacts, and interventions in the ASGM of SSA. Results indicate a rise in aquatic Hg pollution due to the expansion and intensification of ASGM. West Africa remained the highest contributor (50.2%), followed by Central Africa (39.6%), Southern Africa (9.6%), and Eastern Africa (<1%). Contamination of freshwater ecosystems, toxicity to aquatic biota, and environmental health risks to humans were evident. Alternative Hg-free ASGM technologies, including physical, metallurgical, and pyrometallurgical, were investigated from case studies and recommended for adoption.

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Section: Socioeconomic Environmental and Human Health Impacts Of Asgm...mentioning

confidence: 65%

Aquatic Mercury Pollution from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Sub-Saharan Africa: Status, Impacts, and Interventions

Mulenga,

Ouma,

Monde

et al. 2024

Water

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Mercury concentrations and differences in isotopic niches of fish from upstream and downstream of an Amazon reservoir dam

de Castro Paiva,

Pestana,

de Oliveira

et al. 2024

Ecotoxicology

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Catchment land use effect on mercury concentrations in lake sediments: A high-resolution study of Qinghai Lake

Dai,

Zhang,

Liao

et al. 2024

Science of The Total Environment

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Insights into the factors influencing mercury concentrations in tropical reservoir sediments

Abstract: Thousands of dams are currently under construction or planned worldwide to meet the growing need for electricity. The creation of reservoirs could, however, lead to conditions that promote the accumulation...

Cited by 3 publications

References 71 publications

Aquatic Mercury Pollution from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Sub-Saharan Africa: Status, Impacts, and Interventions

Aquatic Mercury Pollution from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Sub-Saharan Africa: Status, Impacts, and Interventions

Mercury concentrations and differences in isotopic niches of fish from upstream and downstream of an Amazon reservoir dam

Catchment land use effect on mercury concentrations in lake sediments: A high-resolution study of Qinghai Lake

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