Design and development of a mercury monitoring system for trophic networks in mining operations: indicator species for environmental risk assessment (MONIMER)

Abstract

The MONIMER project focuses on developing advanced tools for environmental mercury (Hg) monitoring in areas affected by past mining activities. By integrating data from trophic networks, water, sediments, and bioindicators, the project assesses environmental risks and reconstructs the contamination legacy associated with former mining operations.

MONIMER aims to improve the identification of both active and historical sources of mercury, providing robust scientific criteria to support environmental management and long-term monitoring of mining areas. The contribution of the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales centres on analysing contamination in water and sediments, reconstructing pollution histories through sedimentary archives, and studying the geomorphological dynamics of mining lagoons, including erosion processes, sediment remobilisation, and associated environmental risks.

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