Review
Engineering, Environmental
Susan Keane, Ludovic Bernaudat, Kenneth J. Davis, Malgorzata Stylo, Nellia Mutemeri, Patience Singo, Pontsho Twala, Itai Mutemeri, Anne Nakafeero, Imelda Dossou Etui
Summary: Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is a significant industry globally, employing millions of miners and being a major source of mercury emissions. The Minamata Convention on Mercury aims to reduce and eliminate mercury use in ASGM, but there is still uncertainty regarding the total quantity of mercury used and limited adoption of mercury-free technologies. This paper presents new data that can improve estimates of mercury use in ASGM and evaluates technologies that can support the phase-out of mercury while increasing gold recovery. It also discusses social and economic barriers, using a case study from Uganda as an illustration.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shoki Kosai, Kenichi Nakajima, Eiji Yamasue
Summary: This study examines the global mercury use and emissions in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). While efforts have been made to mitigate mercury use and emissions through various interventions, these measures have led to unintended consequences such as increased global mercury waste and hydrogen cyanide emissions. This highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to address these issues.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Review
Environmental Studies
Yingchao Cheng, Takuma Watari, Jacopo Seccatore, Kenichi Nakajima, Keisuke Nansai, Masaki Takaoka
Summary: Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is a major contributor to mercury (Hg) emissions and it is crucial in addressing the Hg problem. Lack of accurate data on ASGM production, Hg use, and emissions necessitates the use of different approaches to estimate these variables. Global ASGM production ranges from 380-870 tonnes of gold annually, with a median value of 520 tonnes. Hg use in ASGM is estimated to be 640-1000 tonnes per year, with a median value of 892 tonnes. Consequently, ASGM emits 248-838 tonnes of Hg annually, with a median value of 615 tonnes. Discrepancies in the data calculated using different approaches were found, especially in countries with large estimates like China. A general estimation approach combining specific studies of dominant countries is recommended to obtain a more accurate global picture of ASGM activities. Developing a solid baseline, comprehensive future projection scenarios, and establishing international collaboration for guidance on ASGM are recommended for effective management of ASGM in the future.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yingchao Cheng, Kenichi Nakajima, Keisuke Nansai, Jacopo Seccatore, Marcello M. Veiga, Masaki Takaoka
Summary: This study established a method to detect inconsistencies in global mercury trade data and calculated the gap between mercury demand and supply in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector across 39 countries. Inconsistencies in statistical data on mercury use in gold mining were found in Africa and Central and South America. Despite low mercury use in the Asian gold mining sector, Asia remained the largest consumer of mercury, primarily China and India. Many countries involved in gold mining have joined the Minamata Convention, but few have submitted national action plans or implemented specific laws to curb mercury use. The method developed in this study can help identify hidden mercury use and flows in gold mining, contributing to the development of further mercury control regulations. Promoting the submission of national action plans is essential for effective mercury management in addition to expanding the Minamata Convention parties.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jana Becker, Peter Furu, Josephine Singo, Dennis Shoko, Johanna Elbel, Stephan Bose-O'Reilly, Nadine Steckling-Muschack
Summary: The study aimed to accurately and extensively identify the determinants of health in ASGM and the health needs of miners, in order to identify topics for more effective, sustainable, and feasible future health interventions targeting occupational health. Through a mixed methods approach and triangulation, it was found that miners' health needs primarily revolved around living conditions, work environment, financial support, healthcare services, formalization, and education. Interventions focusing on increasing education, knowledge, and awareness of miners were considered most promising for improving occupational health.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michelle Schwartz, Kathleen Smits, Thomas Phelan
Summary: Establishing quantitative baseline estimates of mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining is crucial for meeting the requirements of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. However, the methods and data sets used for estimating mercury emissions and releases vary widely, leading to high levels of uncertainty. Improved data transparency is needed to enhance the usefulness of these estimates in decision making and developing appropriate policies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Clelia Calao-Ramos, Andrea G. Bravo, Roberth Paternina-Uribe, Jose Marrugo-Negrete, Sergi Diez
Summary: The study assessed mercury exposure in gold miners in Colombia, finding that burning mercury and fish consumption were significant predictors of mercury exposure. Some miners had mercury concentrations above safe levels set by health organizations, indicating the need for health education programs in certain regions.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anna Bugmann, Fritz Brugger, Tongnoma Zongo, Antoinette van der Merwe
Summary: This study analyzes the reasons for the continued use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), highlighting the role of capital and the business model in driving the sector. Mercury plays a crucial role in this process and phasing it out remains a challenge.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Alex Kwasi Saim
Summary: The artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector in Ghana continues to grow, but the impacts caused by mercury use are becoming increasingly severe. Despite previous bans and increased monitoring efforts, the country has not been successful in significantly reducing mercury use and its associated impacts. The lack of mercury alternatives, funding, and education support makes addressing this issue more challenging.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Akihiro Yoshimura, Koyo Suemasu, Marcello M. Veiga
Summary: The study found that artisanal and small-scale gold mining using mercury for gold extraction is a major anthropogenic source of mercury emissions to the environment. There are significant differences in the ratio of mercury losses to gold production in ASGM among different regions, possibly due to the amalgamation procedures used by miners. The study also highlights the importance of considering the use of cyanidation in ASGM.
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE METALLURGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Arlette A. Camacho-delaCruz, Guillermo Espinosa-Reyes, Carlos A. Rebolloso-Hernandez, Leticia Carrizales-Yanez, Cesar A. Ilizaliturri-Hernandez, Luis E. Reyes-Arreguin, Fernando Diaz-Barriga
Summary: Mercury mining in Mexico impacts the environment and human health, with high levels of mercury found in both environmental and biological samples. Comprehensive intervention strategies are needed to reduce these risks, and the Minamata Convention should include biomonitoring programs for humans and ecological receptors in polluted ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Doris Buss, Blair Rutherford, Cynthia Kumah, Mary Spear
Summary: This paper explores the gendered meanings about gold artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) and the environment resulting from the intersection or lack thereof of formal policy commitments to ASGM, environmental protection, and women's inclusion. It examines three contexts where environmental narratives have been framed and mobilized, including the 2014 Minamata Convention on Mercury, as well as case studies on the impact of gender-blind environmental initiatives on women artisanal gold miners in central Mozambique and eastern Ghana. The paper concludes with three recommendations for future work on the intersection of environmental protection programs and women's empowerment agendas in the ASGM sector.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
P. Torkaman, M. M. Veiga, L. R. P. de Andrade Lima, L. A. Oliveira, J. S. Motta, J. L. Jesus, L. M. Lavkulich
Summary: The study suggests that using cassava plant could potentially replace mercury to extract approximately 50% of the gold content from ore in 24 hours, showing promising results in reducing man-made mercury pollution.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Development Studies
Irene Velez-Torres, Diana Vanegas
Summary: Amid the expansion of the gold mining frontier, mercury contamination from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Latin America has become a major concern. Despite efforts to reduce mercury emissions and implement comprehensive policies, there are still significant gaps in understanding the disputed environmental governance of gold mining geographies. This article examines the case of La Toma in Colombia to highlight some lessons learned from transdisciplinary research on mining conflicts and mercury contamination.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Brock A. Edwards, D. Skye Kushner, Peter M. Outridge, Feiyue Wang
Summary: Volcanism is a potentially important natural source of mercury (Hg) to the environment, but its impact on the global Hg cycle is poorly understood, leading to uncertainty in assessing the relative contributions of natural and anthropogenic Hg sources to the global atmosphere. Research shows that arc volcanoes emit 3-fold higher Hg fluxes on average compared to non-arc volcanoes, despite the latter having significantly higher Hg concentrations in their plumes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
R. G. van der Vegt, Steven Maguire, Doug Crump, Markus Hecker, Niladri Basu, Gordon M. Hickey
Summary: This article discusses the importance of stakeholder participation and risk communication in chemical risk management, highlighting both similarities and differences between Canada, the USA, and Europe in this regard. The research findings are relevant for decision-makers seeking to enhance the efficiency of chemical risk governance in practice.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lawrencia Kwarteng, Amila M. Devasurendra, Zoey Laskaris, John Arko-Mensah, Afua A. Amoabeng Nti, Sylvia Takyi, Augustine A. Acquah, Duah Dwomoh, Nil Basu, Thomas Robins, Julius N. Fobil, Stuart Batterman
Summary: This study conducted at the Agbogbloshie e-waste site in Accra, Ghana, found that e-waste workers were exposed to higher levels of PM and PAHs compared to a reference population. While there was a weak correlation between PAH concentrations and PM levels, the abundance of PAHs showed a strong and inverse correlation with PM levels, suggesting multiple and different sources of PAHs and PM. Personal and shift samples were crucial for accurately characterizing worker exposure in this setting.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alper James G. Alcaraz, Shaina Baraniuk, Kamil Mikulasek, Bradley Park, Taylor Lane, Connor Burbridge, Jessica Ewald, David Potesil, Jianguo Xia, Zbynek Zdrahal, David Schneider, Doug Crump, Niladri Basu, Natacha Hogan, Markus Brinkmann, Markus Hecker
Summary: Current approaches in chemical hazard assessment, which rely on live animal testing, face challenges due to concerns about time, cost, and ethics. This study developed a new approach using a short-term embryo assay to predict the toxicity of fluoxetine and obtained protective points-of-departure.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Othman Soufan, Jessica Ewald, Guangyan Zhou, Orcun Hacariz, Emily Boulanger, Alper James Alcaraz, Gordon Hickey, Steve Maguire, Guillaume Pain, Natacha Hogan, Markus Hecker, Doug Crump, Jessica Head, Niladri Basu, Jianguo Xia
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brian Nfor, Patricia Bi Asanga Fai, Simon Awafor Tamungang, Julius N. Fobil, Niladri Basu
Summary: This study assessed soil contamination by heavy metals at e-waste recycling sites in Douala and the potential of native earthworm species to accumulate these metals. The results showed that the soils at these recycling sites were contaminated with metals, and native earthworms could accumulate these metals, potentially leading to toxic effects on the ecosystem.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Veronica Rodriguez-Saldana, Niladri Basu
Summary: A systematic review and narrative synthesis was conducted to evaluate the methods used for monitoring lead exposure through dried blood spots. Findings include the types of filter cards used, sample sizes, and the transition in detection methods over time. Further research is needed to investigate detection limits, differences between blood types, the impact of hematocrit levels, and potential sample contamination.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aude Bechu, Subhasis Ghoshal, Audrey Moores, Niladri Basu
Summary: This article discusses the application of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and quantum light emitting diodes (QLEDs) in displays, as well as the challenges and methods of evaluating substitute substances. By focusing on hazard, cost, and performance, an assessment is conducted, which reveals that there is no clear alternative yet. However, the assessment highlights the need for a low-hazard high-performing substitute substance.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
T. S. Barton-Maclaren, M. Wade, N. Basu, S. Bayen, J. Grundy, V Marlatt, R. Moore, L. Parent, J. Parrott, P. Grigorova, J. Pinsonnault-Cooper, V. S. Langlois
Summary: Globally, regulatory authorities are addressing the challenges of assessing the hazards and risks associated with exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals. A revolution in toxicology focusing on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) is allowing for more efficient and mechanistically driven assessment of potential risks. Emerging approaches prioritize molecular interactions and biological systems over traditional animal toxicity data, with the goal of minimizing risks from EDC exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ibrahim Issah, John Arko-Mensah, Laura S. Rozek, Katie R. Zarins, Duah Dwomoh, Thomas P. Agyekum, Niladri Basu, Stuart Batterman, Thomas G. Robins, Julius N. Fobil
Summary: This study found that co-exposure to toxic and essential metals is associated with global (LINE-1) DNA methylation in e-waste workers. Zinc has a significant inverse association with global DNA methylation. Potential interactions between Cd and Zn were also observed.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Krittika Mittal, Jessica Ewald, Niladri Basu
Summary: Ethical and resource limitations have led to the development of alternative strategies to animal testing in chemicals management. This study investigates the transcriptomic point of departure (tPOD) values derived from rainbow trout gill, liver, and gut cells exposed to methylmercury and fluoxetine. The results provide insights into cytotoxicity, gene tPOD, and pathway benchmark dose values, as well as potential mechanisms of action.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carly Colville, Alper James Alcaraz, Derek Green, Bradley Park, Jianguo Xia, Othman Soufan, Pavel Hruska, David Potesil, Zbynek Zdrahal, Doug Crump, Niladri Basu, Natacha Hogan, Markus Hecker
Summary: This study investigated the mechanistic toxicity of fluoxetine (FLX) in adult fathead minnows using new approach methodologies (NAMs). The results revealed that high concentrations of FLX caused molecular toxicity changes in the liver and brain, leading to lipid-type vacuolation in liver hepatocytes and alterations in serotonin-related signaling processes and reproductive behavior in the brain.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Legrand, Yeon-Seon Jeon, Niladri Basu, Markus Hecker, Doug Crump, Jianguo Xia, Bharat Chandramouli, Heather Butler, Jessica Head
Summary: Early-life stage (ELS) avian toxicity tests are considered a more ethical alternative to traditional standardized tests with adult birds. This study uses 'omics data from toxicity tests of 8 environmental chemicals in ELS and adult Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) to fill the gap in characterizing the metabolome and transcriptome at different life stages. The results show that there is less variation between independent experiments in the ELS metabolome and transcriptome than in adults, supporting the use of ELS as an alternative toxicity testing strategy.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Zhiqiang Pang, Guangyan Zhou, Jessica Ewald, Le Chang, Orcun Hacariz, Niladri Basu, Jianguo Xia
Summary: Liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) is widely used in global metabolomics studies, but there are still challenges in data processing, statistical analysis, and functional interpretation. To overcome these barriers, the MetaboAnalyst platform has been updated to provide step-by-step instructions.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Gwen Aubrac, Ashley Bastiansz, Niladri Basu
Summary: This systematic review of scientific studies shows that e-waste recycling contributes to mercury contamination in the environment and human populations. The study found that while the average mercury levels in e-waste products are relatively low, lamps have the highest levels. E-waste workers also had higher urinary mercury levels compared to control groups.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fayizatu Dawud, Sylvia Akpene Takyi, John Arko-Mensah, Niladri Basu, Godfred Egbi, Ebenezer Ofori-Attah, Serwaa Akoto Bawuah, Julius N. Fobil
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between metal exposures, dietary macronutrient intake, and blood glucose levels among informal electronic waste recyclers. The prevalence of diabetes was significantly higher among controls. The intake of saturated fat, OMEGA-3, and cholesterol were associated with significant increases in blood glucose levels of recyclers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
