Mining and Seasonal Variation of the Metals Concentration in the Puyango River Basin—Ecuador

Files

IDL-50596.pdf (218.4 KB)

Date

2012

Authors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Abstract

Gold mining in the Puyango River Basin produces water contamination and emissions from processing plants, starting from tributaries of the Calera and Amarillo rivers, which have the highest concentrations of heavy metals. The study shows high levels of arsenic, mercury, manganese and lead in points corresponding to the mining area. The Puyango River Basin covers an area of approximately 4400 km2. Study results and community discussions have forced protective measures such as the use of water filters to retain particulate matter, with a strengthening of environmental organizations and networks. Reduction of metal contamination ultimately depends on profound changes in mining practice.

Description

Keywords

HEAVY METALS, GOLD MINES, PUYANGO RIVER BASIN, MINING, ECUADOR, CONTAMINATION, SEASONAL VARIATIONS

Citation

Garcia, M. E., Betancourt, O., Cueva, E., & Gimaraes, J. R. (2012). Mining and Seasonal Variation of the Metals Concentration in the Puyango River Basin—Ecuador. Journal of Environmental Protection, 3 (11): 1542-1550. doi: 10.4236/jep.2012.311170

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10625/50596

DOI

Collections

IDRC Research Results / Résultats de recherches du CRDI
2010-2019 / Années 2010-2019
Research Results (Ecohealth) / Résultats de recherches (Écosanté)