ITHACA, N.Y. – A groundbreaking study by Cornell University researchers has illuminated a cost-effective method for monitoring atmospheric mercury pollution, a significant consequence of gold mining activities in the Global South. Published in the prestigious journal Frontiers in Environmental Science on April 8, this research highlights the utility of wild fig tree rings (Ficus insipida) as a natural proxy for tracking mercury levels over time and across various geographical locations.
The findings arise from extensive research conducted in the Peruvian Amazon, which is critical in understanding the transboundary nature of mercury pollution. Existing computer modeling studies have demonstrated that atmospheric mercury has the potential to traverse vast distances globally, eventually depositing back onto ecosystems and waterways. Once in the environment, this toxic metal can bioaccumulate in various organisms, particularly in fish, creating serious neurotoxic risks for both wildlife and human populations reliant on these food sources.
The advent of this research proposes a novel strategy for environmentalists and scientists to establish biomonitoring networks leveraging the natural growth patterns of wild fig trees. By employing tree rings as historical records, researchers can gain insights into how mercury disperses temporally and spatially, thus offering a new avenue for environmental monitoring that is both accessible and sustainable.
Jacqueline Gerson, the study’s corresponding author and an assistant professor of environmental and biological engineering at Cornell University, emphasized the importance of measuring mercury emissions. This endeavor aligns with global efforts to mitigate mercury pollution, particularly under the framework of the United Nations Minamata Convention on Mercury. Gerson noted that understanding changes in mercury levels over time is essential for crafting effective policies aimed at reducing emissions from gold mining, which is responsible for approximately 20% of the world’s gold output and is the largest single source of mercury pollution.
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining practices, which utilize elemental mercury to extract gold from ore, are prevalent in around 70 countries. Unfortunately, the handling and disposal of mercury during these processes often leads to severe environmental contamination. This contamination occurs either through dumping residual ore back into the landscape or via the burning of ore, a practice that releases toxic mercury fumes into the air.
While past research has successfully utilized tree rings to trace mercury emissions from coal combustion, particularly in northern regions like Canada, this methodology had not yet been applied in tropical settings for assessing mercury emanating from gold mining activities. The Cornell study pioneers this application, demonstrating the potential for tree rings as a viable alternative to more expensive monitoring methods.
One of the significant advantages of this approach is its accessibility. Traditional methods for measuring atmospheric mercury concentrations often involve utilizing costly active monitors that necessitate a constant power supply and can be complicated to maintain. Conversely, passive air samplers, which collect ambient mercury using activated charcoal, are simpler but can be prohibitively expensive for widespread use, costing around $100 each. The use of wild fig trees circumvents these limitations, providing a low-cost solution that can be deployed in various remote and economically constrained regions.
The methodology established by the researchers could empower communities and local organizations in the Global South to actively participate in monitoring their environmental health. By employing tree rings as indicators, local populations can engage in understanding the impact of gold mining on mercury levels in their vicinity. This participatory approach not only fosters awareness but can also significantly bolster advocacy efforts against harmful mining practices and imprecise regulatory measures.
The implications of this study extend beyond the academic realm and into practical environmental management. As mercury pollution from gold mining continues to pose substantial risks to human health and biodiversity, the insights derived from studying tree rings could pave the way for more informed policy-making. Understanding the dynamic relationship between mercury emissions and ecological consequences is crucial for developing robust strategies to curtail mercury pollution and protect vulnerable communities that rely on natural resources for their livelihoods.
Additionally, the study emphasizes the necessity for collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and local communities. The protection of health and ecosystems in regions impacted by gold mining requires comprehensive engagement from diverse stakeholders. The novel use of tree rings in this study presents an opportunity for community-driven research initiatives, allowing local populations to monitor their environments while contributing valuable data to global efforts toward mercury reduction.
As this research garners attention, it could serve as a catalyst for further studies exploring innovative uses of natural systems for environmental monitoring. The continuous evolution of methodologies to assess environmental contaminants like mercury will be imperative for addressing ongoing ecological crises exacerbated by industrial activities.
In conclusion, the research spearheaded by Cornell University not only establishes a new methodology for tracking atmospheric mercury but also cultivates a broader conversation surrounding environmental sustainability and public health. As mercury continues to afflict ecosystems globally, the implications of this study underscore the pressing need to develop effective monitoring systems that can inform policy and protect those most vulnerable to the impacts of pollution.
Subject of Research: Tracking atmospheric mercury using wild fig tree rings
Article Title: Wild Fig Tree Rings Offer New Method for Tracking Mercury Pollution
News Publication Date: April 8, 2025
Web References: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2025/04/tree-rings-track-atmospheric-mercury-cheaply
References: Frontiers in Environmental Science
Image Credits: Cornell University
Keywords
Environmental monitoring, tree rings, mining engineering, gold, neurotoxins, elemental mercury.
