Concentración de mercurio en leche cruda proveniente de ganaderías en cantones con actividad minera de la provincia de El Oro.

Abstract

Environmental contamination by heavy metals, particularly mercury, represents a significant risk to public health and food safety in mining-affected areas. This study aimed to determine the concentration of mercury in raw bovine milk samples collected from dairy farms located in the mining cantons of Zaruma and Santa Rosa, in El Oro Province, Ecuador. A total of 90 milk samples were collected and analyzed using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results showed statistically significant differences between geographic locations, with Bellamaria presenting the highest concentration (0.019 mg/kg). Higher mercury concentrations were also observed in cows with access to contaminated water sources, such as La Tembladera and Birón rivers, and in those supplemented with mineral salts. No statistically significant differences were found in relation to the number of calvings or the presence of prior diseases. It is concluded that environmental contamination and feeding practices are determining factors in mercury bioaccumulation in raw milk, posing a potential risk to consumers and to the economic viability of local dairy farming.