Mercury emissions from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) are a significant global pollution source. This study investigated mercury deposition and storage in a Peruvian Amazonian region heavily impacted by ASGM. Intact forests near mining sites showed extremely high mercury inputs, with elevated levels in the atmosphere, canopy, and soil. The research demonstrates that intact forest canopies intercept substantial amounts of mercury, proportional to leaf area. Significant mercury accumulation was found in soils, biomass, and songbirds, raising concerns about the impact of mercury pollution on conservation efforts in these ecosystems.

Jacqueline R. Gerson, Natalie Szponar, Angelica Almeyda Zambrano, Bridget Bergquist, Eben Broadbent, Charles T. Driscoll, Gideon Erkenswick, David C. Evers, Luis E. Fernandez, Heileen Hsu-Kim, Giancarlo Inga, Kelsey N. Lansdale, Melissa J. Marchese, Ari Martinez, Caroline Moore, William K. Pan, Raúl Pérez Purizaca, Victor Sánchez, Miles Silman, Emily A. Ury, Claudia Vega, Mrinalini Watsa, Emily S. Bernhardt