J. Phys. IV France 107 (2003) 357
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:20030315

The impact of long-term mercury contamination on the new human exposure scenarios in the North Region of Mato Grosso, Amazon basin

S. de Souza Hacon¹, R. Aparecido de Farinas², R. Reis Argento¹, R.C. Campos³, A.P. Rossi² and J. Wasserman<sup>4

1</sup>  Fundaçao Osvaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional de Saude Publica, Av. Brasil 4036, Salas 1009/ 1011, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21040-361, Brazil
²  Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brazil
³  Pontifica Universidade Catolica do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
⁴  Universidade Federal Fluminense/PGCA, Brazil

Abstract
The present study, addresses the long-term mercury contamination as consequence of the goldmining activities taking into account the fish Hg levels and fish consumption in different areas in the north region of the Mato Grosso State. The study involves the enviromnental characterization of the region, glor, and the fish-farming areas. Geographic Information has been emphased on the cultural and social habits by a specific questionnaire. A monitoring mercury program was carried out, taking different fish species from contaminated and background areas. The results show that in Alta Floresta Hg levels of the piscivorous fish are decreasing in comparison with the previous exposure scenario. The present exposure scenario ranges from 0.09 to 3.9  g/kg/d. The highest exposure dose was detected in the rural area of Paranaíta and the lowest in Nova Monte Verde. The results of this study support govermental decision-makers and local community's representatives to deliberate conservative measures to protect human health.

© EDP Sciences 2003