Mercury–carbon relationships in environmental media near artisanal gold mining sites in Guyana

Mercury (Hg) and carbon (C) data were derived from gold mine and clean sites in Guyana and globally synthesized studies. Patterns of Hg/C patterns in environmental media (foliage, leaf litter, soil, water, sediment) near artisanal gold mining sites in Guyana were compared with those observed globally (25 studies) to provide a greater understanding of Hg movement within the biosphere. Patterns of Hg/C ratios in environmental media were similar in Guyana and globally synthesized studies, but with much higher values close to gold mines compared with global average.