Suriname: High mercury levels in South West virgin forests

Research has revealed relatively high mercury levels in the south west of Suriname. The area, which has not yet been invaded by gold miners and is considered still virgin, seems to be suffering from the disadvantages of small-scale gold mining miles away.
The prevailing trade winds carry mercury particles deeper inland. Paul Ouboter, head of the National Zoological Collection at the Anton de Kom University presented these and other facts at the third International Congress on Biodiversity on the Guyana Shield.
Several countries on the Guyana Shield are plagued by small-scale gold mining and the resultant pollution of the environment. Ouboter suggested sustainable gold operations for the hinterland. In a 2012 study he had already proven that mercury levels in the hinterland are way too high. The highest levels were measured in the Brokopondo reservoir and the Upper-Coppename River. Mercury vapors are transported by wind and released by rain in what is considered virginal forest.
http://www.dwtonline.com/de-ware-tijd/2013/08/10/high-mercury-levels-in-south-west-virgin-forests/