Mercury concentrations in tree rings may enable trees to be 'witnesses' of illegal gold mining activities in the Amazon

A new study suggests that rings of the species ‘Ficus insipda’ can detect mercury emissions, a heavy and toxic metal that is often used in small-scale mineral extraction in Peru

Tree rings reveal mercury pollution from illegal gold mining: Study

New research has found that some tropical trees in the Peruvian Amazon can be used to monitor mercury pollution from gold mining, offering an alternative to expensive air monitors. Roughly 16 million people worldwide engage in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, much of which is illegal due to environmental and human health concerns. In many […]

An international research team was able to determine whether mining activity is taking place in the vicinity of trees based on tree rings.

Trees capture toxic fingerprint of gold mining in the Amazon

Mercury pollution accumulating in trees could offer a new way to monitor destructive gold mining operations

Trees can snitch on illegal gold miners in the Amazon

Researchers believe they have identified a network of spies to help combat illegal gold mining operations in the Amazon rainforest. But unlike other espionage efforts, there is no risk of betrayal from the new assets: Trees aren’t known for spilling secrets. Humans have coveted the Amazon’s natural resources for generations, particularly its gold. But with most of the region’s easily accessible precious metals long gone, illegal mining operation…

Mercury concentrations in tree rings may enable trees to be 'witnesses' of illegal gold mining activities in the Amazon

For hundreds of years, the Amazon has been exploited for its gold. Today, the precious metal is just as sought after, but the remaining tiny gold particles are much harder to find. Mining often happens in artisanal and small-scale mining operations that release mercury (Hg) into the air, polluting the environment and harming human health.