Archaeo-environmental study of the Almas river: mining pollution and the Cerrado biome in the end of the nineteenth century in Mid-Western, Brazil

This article proposes to understand the environmental impacts of a gold mining exploration in the Cerrado biome or Brazilian Savanna at the end of the nineteenth century in Mid-Western, Brazil. Firstly, the Cerrado biome is described according to perceptions about the ecological characteristics, ecological researches conducted, and mainly according to the ecosystem of the Pireneus mountains our area of research. Secondly, the historical mining impacts of nineteenth century are presented through reflections on the mining techniques of gold exploration, and through the environmental consequences of metal concentration in the area. Finally, the eco-archaeological study of the soil samples from the Almas river area in Mid-Western Brazil is demonstrated, as well as, the interpretation about the emergency of historical pollution patterns.

► Ecological characteristics and researches of Cerrado. ► Historical mining impacts of nineteenth century in Mid-Western Brazil. ► Mercury pollution patterns in soil sample analyses.