Beyond the mine: Sheep wool as a proxy for heavy metal pollution in post-mining landscapes

This study investigates the concentration of heavy metals in sheep's wool from regions affected by historical mining activities, specifically near the Herja mine in Ferneziu and the Aurul settling pond in Firiza. The analysis aimed to assess the impact of anthropogenic pollution on environmental health and livestock by using sheep's wool as a bioindicator. The results revealed significant variations in heavy metal levels, particularly cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni), with higher concentrations observed in samples from Ferneziu, in close proximity to the Herja mine, compared to those from Firiza, which is farther from the Aurul settling pond. Specifically, cobalt levels in Ferneziu ranged up to 0.67 mg kg-1, while nickel levels reached 0.38 mg kg-1, indicating persistent contamination from mining activities. In contrast, Firiza showed lower levels of these metals, reflecting the dispersal of pollutants through environmental media. Background samples from Tîrlişua, not impacted by mining, exhibited significantly lower concentrations, validating the effectiveness of sheep's wool as a bioindicator. These findings underscore the critical need for continuous environmental monitoring and regulatory measures to address heavy metal pollution. The study highlights the lasting impact of historical mining on environmental quality and emphasizes the importance of proactive strategies to safeguard both ecological and human health.