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<blockquote>Introduction </blockquote>Context: Introduction to the modern problem of microplastics in the human body. The Problem: Explaining how microplastics are now present in various human tissues, including blood, lungs, and even the placenta. What Are Microplastics? Definition: What microplastics are and how they enter the environment. Sources: Everyday sources like plastic bottles, clothing fibers, food packaging, etc. Health Risks: Potential risks to human health, from endocrine disruption to inflammation.Tamarind: An Ancient Solution?What is Tamarind?: A brief history of tamarind and its common uses in South Asian and African diets. Nutritional Value: Its health benefits beyond being a food source, including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.Click: <a data-mce-href="https://bit.ly/4r6mfoX" href="https://bit.ly/4r6mfoX">Continue Reading</a>

Tamarind: The Natural Solution to Microplastics in the Human Body?

Published: Environmental Chemistry eJournal January 31, 2025.&nbsp;This paper proposes a four-stage transformative strategy to introduce Manipueira, an extract solution derived from the cyanogenic bitter cassava plant (Manihot esculenta Crantz) to technology compatible artisanal small-scale ore and tailings processing center owners in Ecuador's Portovelo-Zaruma mining district as a sustainable alternative to mercury- a potent neurotoxin and&nbsp; synthetic cyanide salts used to recover gold.&nbsp;Additionally, this paper reviews several mercury-free gold recovery methods used by artisanal miners and small mining communities that typically process less than one tonne of ore per day, often without mechanization or formal permits. It identifies their key benefits and evaluates the scalability to small-scale mining operations incorporating partial mechanization and processing capacities ranging from 10 to 100 tonnes per day.Finally, it presents an illustrative design for a 50-tonne-per-day world's first Manipueira-based precious metals ore and tailings leaching center.Click: <a data-mce-href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5801183" href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5801183">Continue Reading</a>#BiogenicLeaching #ResponsibleGold #MercuryFreeGold #SustainableMining

An Examination, Solution, and Transformative Strategy to Replace Mercury and Cyanide Salts in Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM): Southern Ecuador.

It is well documented that ~ 15–20 million impoverished artisanal and small-scale gold (ASG) miners worldwide- all largely suspected of having undiagnosed mercury (Hg) poisoning, <a data-mce-href="https://www.unep.org/globalmercurypartnership/newsitems/" href="https://www.unep.org/globalmercurypartnership/newsitems/">collectively produce 20 – 25% of the world’s total annual gold (Au) supply valued at ~ USD $30 billion</a> mostly using mercury (UNEP Global Mercury Partnership report, 2023).&nbsp;However, their reliance on mercury —a potent neurotoxin poses severe <a data-mce-href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mercury-and-health#:~:text=Elemental%20and%20methylmercury%20are%20toxic,kidneys%2C%20and%20may%20be%20fatal." href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mercury-and-health#:~:text=Elemental%20and%20methylmercury%20are%20toxic,kidneys%2C%20and%20may%20be%20fatal.">risks to human health affecting the digestive, damage to the central nervous system,</a> immune system, pulmonary, and thyroid systems, and leading to neurological conditions such as memory loss, insomnia, tremors, neuromuscular impairment, headaches, and even paralysis according to the World Health Organization (WHO), (Mercury and Health Fact Sheet, 2017).Manipueira Gold Recovery Technology, Inc. developed a four-stage ESG aligned transformative strategy <a data-mce-href="https://bit.ly/4hpGJEC" href="https://bit.ly/4hpGJEC">Action Plan</a> designed to replace the use of mercury- a powerful neurotoxin and synthetic cyanide salts with Manipueira,a toxic agricultural waste by-product from processing the cyanogenic bitter cassava plant <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e89k2xbWcvU&amp;list=PLRgmhrzdoJs1ObbhG3Cy3MD8Gr0y9s37F&amp;t=5002s" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e89k2xbWcvU&amp;list=PLRgmhrzdoJs1ObbhG3Cy3MD8Gr0y9s37F&amp;t=5002s">proven to recover 99.3% of gold from ore concentrates and 99.6% from mercury-contaminated tailings in just two hours</a> (Marcello M. Veiga &amp; Pariya Torkaman, 2021).&nbsp;By comparison, mercury is scientifically documented to <a data-mce-href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214790X20302033?via%3Dihub" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214790X20302033?via%3Dihub">only recover up to 30% of the ore gold</a> with the rest being lost to tailings wastes (Marcello M. Veiga and Omotayo Fadina, 2020; Marcello M. Veiga et, 2014).Manipueira, creates a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for gold recovery.&nbsp;The use of Manipueira in artisanal small-scale gold ASG ore processing, scaleable to large-scale gold (LSG) extraction enables safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible gold recovery.&nbsp;Click to: <a data-mce-href="https://bit.ly/4hpGJEC" href="https://bit.ly/4hpGJEC">Continue Reading</a><figure id="figure-aa7x1ztcfamhoas073" data-full-width=""><img id="aa7x1ztcfamhoas073" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/26yno9icbaZ9AQp2y5kQLVn5d3rg2G3FDBShnQJa51H4Hf4wd43Fg6B6AVOWIU2t.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 0% 100%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="0%" data-positiony="100%" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/26yno9icbaZ9AQp2y5kQLVn5d3rg2G3FDBShnQJa51H4Hf4wd43Fg6B6AVOWIU2t.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 0% 100%;"></figure>

The Toxic Relationship Between Gold, Mercury, Artisanal and Small-scale Gold (ASG) Miners, Health Threats, Local and Global Biodiversity Destruction - Costs Revealed.

<h2>Understanding the Impact of Mercury in Artisanal Gold Mining</h2>Artisanal gold mining is a critical livelihood for millions of people globally. However, it often involves the use of mercury, a toxic element that poses serious environmental and health risks. Mercury pollution from mining activities affects water bodies, soil, and air, leading to long-term ecological disturbances.The need to eliminate mercury use in artisanal mining is pressing, not only to protect the environment but also to safeguard human health. Innovative strategies and technologies are emerging to address this challenge effectively.<figure id="figure-77dy26rkepmh9slt7p" data-full-width=""><img id="77dy26rkepmh9slt7p" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2erwqqQGsk9xVTVaptn7SF2p3Pc5v7El4scaeiMsQ5AqL6LiyDpXQczgJFdoeh4I.jpg" alt="mercury poisioning" title="mercury poisioning" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 90% 100%;" data-corners="small" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="#MakeMercuryHistory" data-positionx="90%" data-positiony="100%" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2erwqqQGsk9xVTVaptn7SF2p3Pc5v7El4scaeiMsQ5AqL6LiyDpXQczgJFdoeh4I.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 90% 100%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">#MakeMercuryHistory</figcaption></figure><h2>Promoting Mercury-Free Mining Techniques</h2><h3>Gravity Concentration Methods</h3>One of the most effective approaches to reducing mercury use is the adoption of gravity concentration techniques. These methods utilize the natural density differences between gold and other minerals to separate them without chemicals. Techniques such as sluicing, shaking tables, and centrifuges can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for mercury.<h3>Flotation Techniques</h3>Flotation methods offer another promising solution. By introducing air bubbles into a slurry of crushed ore, gold particles are encouraged to attach to the bubbles and float to the surface. This allows for the separation of gold without the use of mercury, providing a cleaner and safer alternative.<figure id="figure-obrt0s39umh9sm32y"><img id="obrt0s39umh9sm32y" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2cDDHRzWFkofeqp5kRTHjJQ8Y8Rp2L1tCukCHujQda8r64ut4WZQG03Zsi69t06F.jpeg" alt="gold mining techniques" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2cDDHRzWFkofeqp5kRTHjJQ8Y8Rp2L1tCukCHujQda8r64ut4WZQG03Zsi69t06F.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Implementing Educational Programs</h2>Education plays a crucial role in transitioning away from mercury. By providing training and resources, miners can learn about safer and more efficient methods. Community workshops and partnerships with organizations help disseminate knowledge and encourage the adoption of new techniques.Additionally, promoting awareness about the health and environmental hazards of mercury can drive change. Empowering miners with information can lead to a collective shift toward sustainable practices.<figure id="figure-p8qhgobshmmh9sm8wo"><img id="p8qhgobshmmh9sm8wo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/340XepZsTFHdhh3OSJSzJE161R50nhufiOLjcSmZOGlSBBHXFoC1gJbaNE60EjcD.jpeg" alt="educational training" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/340XepZsTFHdhh3OSJSzJE161R50nhufiOLjcSmZOGlSBBHXFoC1gJbaNE60EjcD.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Governmental and International Support</h2><h3>Policy and Regulation</h3>Effective policies and regulations are essential to facilitate the transition to mercury-free mining. Governments can provide incentives for miners to adopt cleaner technologies and impose penalties for continued mercury use. International agreements, like the Minamata Convention, aim to reduce global mercury pollution and support national efforts.<h3>Funding and Resources</h3>Access to funding and resources is critical for implementing innovative strategies. Investments from government bodies, NGOs, and private sectors can provide the necessary support for research, development, and deployment of alternative techniques.<figure id="figure-yrh8a27uy9mh9smegd"><img id="yrh8a27uy9mh9smegd" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/3bShDlOCnInaq8rJlF5P8htndTdjcjWDaJbUUqNm59HlRGDnOA89035v6cHFch7R.jpeg" alt="government support" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/3bShDlOCnInaq8rJlF5P8htndTdjcjWDaJbUUqNm59HlRGDnOA89035v6cHFch7R.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future</h2>The journey to eliminate mercury in artisanal gold mining is challenging but achievable. By embracing innovation, fostering education, and strengthening policy frameworks, a sustainable and mercury-free future is within reach. Continued collaboration among stakeholders will ensure that progress is made, benefiting both the environment and the communities that rely on mining.#SustainableMining #MercuryFreeGold #BiogenicLeaching #GreenMining #CommunityImpact&nbsp;

Innovative Strategies to Eliminate Mercury Use in Artisanal Gold Ore Processing.

Bruce A. Cosgrove BSc, MSc (Solution Chemistry) - Independent Scientific Researcher

Bruce A. Cosgrove, BSc, MSc in Solution Chemistry, operates as an independent scientific researcher who conceived a 4-stage transformative strategy designed to replace the use of mercury- a potent neurotoxin in artisanal gold ore processing in the Portovelo-Zaruma mining district, Ecuador. Through his personal bio and blog, he shares insights and updates on his research journey, highlighting his expertise while the venture is just starting out.

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Tamarind: The Natural Solution to Microplastics in the Hu...

An Examination, Solution, and Transformative Strategy to ...

The Toxic Relationship Between Gold, Mercury, Artisanal a...

Innovative Strategies to Eliminate Mercury Use in Artisan...