A systematic review on metal contamination due to mining activities in the Amazon basin and associated environmental hazards

Abstract

Metal contamination associated with mining activities has been considered one of the main environmental pollution problems in the Amazon region. Understanding the levels of metal contamination from mining activities requires a good understanding of background metal concentrations, which may vary notably according to the geology/lithology characteristics of the region, soil type, and predominant biogeochemical processes. This review assessed 50 papers and reports published between 1989 and 2020 describing environmental concentrations of different metals and metalloids (As, Hg, Mn, Fe, Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Zn) in water and sediments of mining and non-mining areas in five geographic regions of the Amazon basin. Metal enrichment caused by mining activities was calculated and exposure concentrations were compared with sediment and water quality standards set for the protection of aquatic life. Significant enrichments of Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni and Zn were observed in mining areas in both sediment and water. Regarding background levels in the different geographic regions, the highest prevalence of metal enrichment (i.e., concentrations 10 to 100-fold higher than mean background values) in sediment samples was found for Fe (100% of samples), Ni (90%), and Mn (69%). For water, high prevalence of metal enrichment occurred for Zn, Mn, and Fe (100% of samples), and for Hg (86%). Hg, Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Ni and Zn exceeded water and/or sediment quality standards in a significant number of samples in the proximity of mining areas. This study indicates that mining activities significantly contribute to water and sediment contamination across the Amazon basin, posing hazards for freshwater ecosystems and potentially having human health implications.