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All Journal Journal of Degraded and Mining Lands Management
Arizaca-Avalos, Americo
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Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology

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Mercury pollution in water, soil, and biota induced by artisanal gold mining: A case study from Ananea District, Puno, Peru Huisa-Mamani, Fidel; Arizaca-Avalos, Americo; Llanque-Maquera, Oscar Eloy
Journal of Degraded and Mining Lands Management Vol. 12 No. 2 (2025)
Publisher : Brawijaya University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15243/jdmlm.2025.122.7159

Abstract

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) significantly contributes to global mercury pollution, posing serious environmental and health risks. This study assessed mercury contamination in the Ananea District, heavily impacted by ASGM activities. Mercury levels were measured in water, soil, and plant tissues using a Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80). Results showed water mercury concentrations ranging from 0.1169 mg/kg to 1.54 mg/kg, far exceeding the World Health Organization's safe limit of 0.001 mg/kg. Soil samples contained mercury levels between 0.0909 mg/kg and 22.49 mg/kg, surpassing typical uncontaminated soil levels. Plant tissues had mercury concentrations from 0.0909 mg/kg to 7.7467 mg/kg, indicating potential entry into the food chain. Elevated mercury levels closely correlate with proximity to mining and processing sites, highlighting ASGM's direct environmental impact. These findings align with global patterns observed in other ASGM regions. The study underscores the urgent need for mitigation strategies, including stronger regulations, promotion of mercury-free technologies, and community engagement to reduce mercury emissions and protect public health.
Geostatistical modeling of soil contamination by arsenic and mercury in Mollehuaca, Peru Tumy-Gomez, Enmanuel Hernan; Arizaca-Avalos, Americo; Huisa-Mamani, Fidel; Apaza-Chino, Julian; Pastor-Contreras, Wilber
Journal of Degraded and Mining Lands Management Vol. 12 No. 5 (2025)
Publisher : Brawijaya University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15243/jdmlm.2025.125.8547

Abstract

This study focused on the geostatistical modeling of arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) contamination levels in soils of the Mollehuaca settlement, Arequipa, Peru, an area significantly affected by artisanal mining. Using advanced geostatistical techniques, such as ordinary kriging, 35 soil samples were evaluated to determine the spatial distribution of these heavy metals and their extreme concentrations. The results showed that As concentrations reached a maximum of 808.00 mg/kg, far exceeding the Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) limit for soils (50 mg/kg) according to D.S. N° 011-2017-MINAM. Similarly, Hg levels presented maximum values of 207.00 mg/kg, also above the threshold of 6.6 mg/kg established by the same regulation. Structural analysis using spherical variograms revealed a high spatial continuity with ranges of 369 m for As and 302.4 m for Hg, indicating that both metals exhibit a strong spatial relationship influenced by geological factors, such as mineralized veins and fractures. This significant correlation between As and Hg, with a determination coefficient r² = 0.6399, suggests a common source of contamination associated with the informal mining practices that characterize this region. In conclusion, the results highlighted the urgent need to implement remediation measures in the most affected areas, as the concentrations of these metals exceed the limits established by Peruvian regulations, representing a considerable risk to human health and local ecosystems. Additionally, continuous monitoring is recommended to improve environmental management and reduce the negative impacts of artisanal mining in this critical area of southern Peru.
Co-Authors Apaza-Chino, Julian Huisa-Mamani, Fidel Llanque-Maquera, Oscar Eloy Pastor-Contreras, Wilber Tumy-Gomez, Enmanuel Hernan