Chemical form of pollutants is related to their bioavailability, transformation and elimination degree. The towns of Pinal de Amoles and San Joaquin in the State of Queretaro were highlighted from previous research for the presence of several silver and mercury old mines where amalgamation was used. However, some of these mines are being re-opened since the demand of mercury is increasing in international market. The aim of this study is to identify the potential risk to health and the environment due to the availability of mercury from mining wastes using a chemical speciation method. Preliminary results show that most of the mercury is found in stable species (41.54% for HgS, and from 48.66-92.34% for Hg0 in the form of amalgamated mercury). In-vitro bio-availability tests show that this species are not absorbed in stomach conditions, but there is a potential risk due to the new mining activities developed in the site.

Estimation of mercury bioavailability in contaminated soils of the Mexican state of Queretaro using chemical speciation and a physiologically based extraction test

239th National Meeting (2010)

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