Nearly a third of the fish in the Amazon contain high levels of mercury in their bodies - dangerous to humans. About it
The researchers added that the four species with the mosthigh concentrations of mercury are the species most commonly consumed by local people. At the same time, consumption of more than 200 grams of this fish can cause irreparable harm to health.
High levels of mercury in the region are caused byillegal gold mining, activists said. This study found that diggers not only harm the forests in the area, but also poison the rivers around them.
“The level of mercury was extremely high in 77.6% of carnivorous fish, 20% of omnivores and 2.4% of herbivores. Most of these fish are consumed by local people or sold to other countries. "
excerpt from WWF report
“We already knew it was destroying the forest. Now we know how gold mining destroys the health of those living in this region,” said activists from WWF.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro oftencriticized for the use of protected lands in the Amazon for mining and agricultural activities. Activists say this is accelerating the destruction of the world's largest rainforest.
Methylmercury, organic toxic formmetallic mercury, is a danger to humans and wildlife. Mercury pollution comes from power plants, mines and other industrial facilities. It is carried in the atmosphere and then stored in the natural environment, including in the organisms of animals that humans consume.
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