Phytoremediation of mercury in soils impacted by gold mining: a case-study of Colombia

Abstract The current state-of-the-art in using phytoremediation for environmental monitoring of mercury (Hg) in soils impacted by gold mining operations is discussed in this chapter. Due to its use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), high amounts of Hg have been found in soils near these impacted areas, where its remediation has become a major challenge. This chapter describes in detail ASGM activities and remediation approaches by different phytoremediation techniques focused on Hg removal, with special attention on Colombian studies. Finally, the chapter concludes with a case-study assessed on Hg-contaminated soils by ASGM in northern Colombia, using a phytoremediation process using Jatropha curcas.