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Scientific Process

Scientific Process. Observation of phenomenon Pose a question Tentative explanation of phenomenon (hypothesis is a testable explanation; >1 multiple hypotheses) Design experiment (controls, dependent and independent variables). Major Features. Observation: uses senses/tools

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Scientific Process

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  1. Scientific Process Observation of phenomenon Pose a question Tentative explanation of phenomenon (hypothesis is a testable explanation; >1 multiple hypotheses) Design experiment (controls, dependent and independent variables)

  2. Major Features Observation: uses senses/tools Hypothesis: testable explanation Theory: supported with extensive data Law: general statement explaining observation, holds true for all tests

  3. ScientificProcess 5. Collect data (qualitative and quantitative) • Analyze data (interpretation-does it make sense) • Report findings (is hypothesis correct?) • Peer reviewed/Challenge • Publish results (communication is essential)

  4. Assumptions/Advantages *Assumes natural phenomena can be explained through careful observation and experimentation *Theories and Laws are NEVER proven correct *As our observations improve, theories and laws may no longer be valid. The scientific method incorporates new information. * Nonjudgmental-not good or bad

  5. Hg Released in Amazonia 100-200 tons/year during past 20-70 yrs. (Pfeiffer et al, 1993; Malm, 1998) 2000-3000 tons total during current gold rush (Malm, 1998) Number of Gold Miners in South America 543,000 - 1,039,000 (Veiga, 1997) In Brazil 200,000 - 400,000 (Malm, 1998) 650,000 in 1993 (Jernelov & Ramel, 1994) 1,600,000 – Peak mining (Pfeiffer and Lacerda, 1988) Amalgamation Mining in South America Basic Statistics

  6. Evidence for Significant Environmental Impacts of Amalgamation Mining • Physically watch Hg being released to the water and atmosphere; 65 % to 83 % atmospheric; • Hg in soils exhibited an Hg gradient, with the highest values adjacent to gold refining shops • In comparison to other environments, high Hg values in fish, water, sediments, and soils • High Hg values measured at sites 100-150 km downstream of mining operations • Sediment cores in floodplains and floodplain lakes suggested increases concentrations of Hg recent years • Elevated levels of Hg in human hair and urine

  7. Rio Negros Manaus Amazonas Rio Solimoes M1 Rio Madeira Borba M6 Manicore Rio M8 Aripuana Rio MF4 Humaita Porto Velho Rio Jamari Amalgamation Mining 0 100 km South America

  8. Regional Geochemical Trends along the Madeira River, Brazil(Investigators) • Paul J. Lechler, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology • Drude de Lacerda, University of Fluminense, Nitero, Brazil • Jerry R. Miller, Western Carolina University • W. Berry Lyons, The Ohio State University • John J. Warwick, University of Florida • Jean-Claude Bonzongo, University of Florida

  9. Rio Negros Manaus Amazonas Rio Solimoes M1 Rio Madeira Borba M6 Manicore Rio M8 Aripuana Rio MF4 Humaita Porto Velho Rio Jamari Amalgamation Mining 0 100 km South America

  10. Rio Negros Manaus Amazonas Rio Solimoes M1 Rio Madeira Borba M6 Manicore Rio M8 Aripuana Rio MF4 Humaita Porto Velho Rio Jamari Amalgamation Mining 0 100 km South America

  11. Primary Sources of Hg in Tropical Regions of South America • Hg Amalgamation Mining • Modern (~100-120 tons/yr in Brazil in 1980s & 90s) • Historic Stocks (196,000 tons from 1545 to 1900 in South and Central America) • Release of Hg during biomass burning. • Naturally high concentrations of Hg in soils and alluvial deposits • Hg sequestered in Lateritic soils is released during erosion of deforested terrain. After Roulet et al. 1995, 1998, 1999; Malm, 1998; Nriagu, 1994

  12. Guyana Guyana Atlantic Ocean Puruni River Venezula GeorgeTown Bartica Mazaruni River Essequibo River Issano Omai Sample Site Pataro River Suriname 100 0 100 Kanawaruk River Miles

  13. Hg Concentrations in Fish of the Potaro River • 57 % of carnivorous fish exceeded the WHO consumption level of 0.5 ppm. • Mean concentration for some species exceeded 1 ppm. • Highest Hg concentration was 3.771 ppm. • 0 % of non-carnivorous fish exceeded the WHO consumption level of 0.5 ppm. Data from: An Orientation Survey conducted by GGMC in cooperation with GEPA, UG, Fisheries and Oceans Canada & CANMET

  14. Guyana Guyana Atlantic Ocean Puruni River Venezula GeorgeTown Bartica Mazaruni River Essequibo River Issano Omai Sample Site Pataro River Suriname 100 0 100 Kanawaruk River Miles

  15. Guyana Guyana Atlantic Ocean Puruni River Venezula GeorgeTown Bartica Mazaruni River Essequibo River Issano Omai Sample Site Pataro River Suriname 100 0 100 Kanawaruk River Miles

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