Presentation description

I am a part of a research team that will assess the presence of select elements in Oruro and Potosí, two Bolivian departments (equivalent to states in the U.S.) impacted by mining and volcanic activity. Centuries of metal extraction and modern mining have released heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic into soil, water, and air. At the same time, volcanic emissions further contribute to contamination through ash, gases, and groundwater. These pollutants pose significant health risks, including cognitive impairments from lead, cancer from arsenic, neurological damage from mercury, and respiratory illnesses from airborne particulates.
Existing research has primarily focused on arsenic due to its widespread presence in groundwater and its severe health effects. Prolonged exposure, primarily through drinking water, can lead to skin lesions, developmental issues, and organ damage. Studies have investigated the leaching of arsenic from volcanic bedrock, mining tailings, and its subsequent transport through river systems used for irrigation and drinking water. Building on this, our study will expand the focus to include other toxic trace elements and major elements like calcium and magnesium, which also influence water quality and pose health risks. By examining both toxic and nontoxic elements, I aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the health implications of elemental release processes.