Mongabay · Climate & nature

Amazon communities alter diets due to mercury contamination

Communities along the Amazon's Madeira River are changing diets as mercury from illegal gold mining contaminates staple fish, posing health risks.

A database of over 7,000 human and 5,900 fish samples identified critical mercury contamination in the Madeira River basin, affecting Lake Puruzinho, Calama, and the Karipuna Indigenous Territory.

Mercury levels in Lake Puruzinho residents exceed WHO safety limits, leading to reduced consumption of fish like tucunaré, a traditional staple.

Mercury from illegal gold mining enters the food chain via fish, the main protein source, causing neurological and motor problems.

A 2022 study found concerning mercury levels in pirarucu fish in the Karipuna Territory, noting high bioaccumulation potential.

Brazil's Minamata Convention implementation is lacking, with plans to address mining mercury facing criticism for excluding affected communities.

Health tracking of mercury poisoning cases lacks specific data for the Madeira River region. Plans are in place but implementation is pending.

Diagnosing mercury poisoning is difficult due to overlapping symptoms. Studies are needed to assess the full impact, especially on vulnerable groups.

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