A total of 205 tons of mercury were discharged into Colombian rivers and soil in 2012, according to a study by the Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies Institute, or IDEAM.
That mercury was found in 179 municipalities located in 15 provinces.
The information was among the conclusions of the "2014 National Water Study," which was conducted by the IDEAM and the Environment Ministry to assess the state of Colombia's water resources.
Most of the mercury - stemming from gold and silver mining operations - was found in three provinces, IDEAM Director Omar Franco said, adding that the real figure may be even higher considering the scourge of illegal mining.
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