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Assesses mercury levels in companion animals near mining sites, suggesting implications for public health surveillance.
Objectives/Goals: This study assesses mercury exposure in dogs and cats from Heredia, Costa Rica, near artisanal gold mining areas. As companion animals share environments with humans, they may serve as sentinel species for mercury contamination in mining-affected regions. Methods/Study Population: Noninvasive hair samples are being obtained by trained veterinary professionals from each animal through opportunistic collection or with owner’s consent, ensuring minimal stress. One hundred and fourteen samples were collected from Costa Rica, and matched samples are being collected from the Colorado sites. Mercury concentrations will be measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results/Anticipated Results: Results will be reported in parts per billion and assessed for statistical significance between groups. The results of this feasibility study will help determine whether companion animals living near ASGM sites exhibit higher mercury accumulation compared to those in less contaminated or historically impacted regions. Discussion/Significance of Impact: Findings may inform future public health surveillance, environmental monitoring, and policy decisions related to mining practices and community exposure risk.
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Cuzmar et al. (2026) studied this question.
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