An Integrative Approach to Assess the Environmental Impacts of Gold Mining Contamination in the Amazon

As the number of legal and illegal gold mining sites increases in Andes–Amazonia region, integrative methods to evaluate effects pollution on freshwater ecosystems are paramount importance. Here, we sampled water sediments 11 potentially affected by activities Napo province (Ecuador). The environmental impacts were evaluated using following lines evidence (LOEs): physicochemical parameters, metal exposure concentrations, macroinvertebrate community response (AAMBI), toxicity conducting bioassays with Lactuca sativa Daphnia magna. Dissolved oxygen total suspended solids under (<80%) above (>130 mg/Ls) quality standards 65% sites. Ag, Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn V, B, Cr detected at Nine out eleven classified as having bad based AAMBI. L. seed germination both (37% 70%) sediment (0% 65%) indicate significant toxicity. In five sites, neonates D. magna showed a 25% reduction survival compared control. Our integrated LOEs index ranked regarding their degradation. We recommend impact monitoring expansion region multiple LOEs.