Method for mapping Hg⁰ emissions from gold shops in artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities

Gold shops in artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities represent major point sources of airborne mercury pollution. Concentrations of elemental mercury (Hg⁰) emitted by these shops can be determined using a portable atomic absorbance spectrometer (AAS) with Zeeman correction. These measured Hg⁰ concentrations can then be correlated to position as determined by a hand-held GPS unit, and the resulting data mapped using a Geographic Information System (GIS). A detailed method for obtaining and analyzing data collected near gold shops in Mazuko, Peru is provided. Maps generated using this method were employed to identify point sources of Hg⁰ contamination originating from gold shops in ASGM communities and were shared with local city managers to assist in urban planning.•A detailed method is provided to collect and process data, ultimately generating a map that allows for the screening of a community to identify point sources of Hg⁰ contamination.•Raw data is provided, as well as a video detailing data processing and mapping using a common spreadsheet program and an open-source GIS.•The generated map can be used for determining areas where people may be exposed to elevated Hg⁰ concentrations and/or occupational mercury vapor exposure, targeted enforcement, or outreach to limit Hg⁰ pollution.