Legacy of mercury pollution
Article Abstract:
Large quantities of mercury reached the atmosphere as a by-product of silver production in South and Central American between 1570 and 1900. The advent of mercury amalgamation, a simple process for extracting silver from ore, enabled Latin America to dominate the world's silver market during this period. Unfortunately, this process also caused extensive mercury pollution. Analysis of mercury and silver production data from the three principal mines indicated that about 196,000 tons of mercury was released into the environment.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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Mercury pollution in Brazil
Article Abstract:
Mercury pollution of Brazil's Madeira River due to gold mining is increasing. Mining releases about 32 tons of mercury a year into the river. Laboratory analysis of water samples found dangerously high levels of both dissolved and particulate mercury, which is highly toxic to humans and wildlife. Mercury contamination of the river's fish seriously threatens the health of the people and animals that eat the fish. The Madeira River's pollution exemplifies the danger mercury poses to Brazil's environmental health.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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Mercury and gold pollution
Article Abstract:
The use of mercury in gold mining operations in north Wales in the late 19th and early 20th centuries has led to high levels of mercury in the Mawddach river that flows through the mining region. Highly toxic mercury was used to remove the gold from its ore by amalgamation, a process involving the discharge of the dangerous chemical into the river. The detection of mercury in the river's sediments after so many years indicates that mercury pollution poses long-term environmental hazards.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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