Deforestation, erosion exacerbate mercury spikes near Peruvian gold mining

(Duke University) Scientists from Duke University have developed a model that can predict the amount of mercury being released into a local ecosystem from deforestation. The research could point toward ways to mitigate the worst effects of mercury poisoning in regions already experiencing elevated mercury levels caused by small-scale gold mining practices, such as those in the Peruvian Amazon.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news