Research is carried out in the public network of Amapá Amazon Network/Reproduction Researchers use shrimp to identify contamination caused by illegal mining in Amapá. Analysis of crustaceans reveals the presence of heavy metals such as mercury, lead and arsenic. The material is removed from the tissues and carapace and examined in the laboratory. The choice of shrimp was strategic. Despite being small, they are sensitive to contamination and absorb different types of pollutants. As they reproduce quickly, they are also easy to capture. Download the g1 app to see AP news in real time and for free According to biologist Jefferson Romário, tissue analysis allows us to calculate the amount of metals and identify the route of contamination. The samples are collected at different points along the rivers of Amapá and show the environmental impact of illegal mining. "Shrimp have a high power of bioaccumulation, so any contaminant present in the water can be absorbed by them, remaining both in the tissues and in the carapace. Through specific experiments, we were able to carry out this quantification. Once collected and manipulated in the laboratory, we were able to evaluate the amount of metals present and also analyze the histology of these animals, thus observing the effects at a laboratory level", explained the biologist. The results indicate a large amount of heavy metals in shrimp, considering the size of the organism. This warns of the risk of consumption by riverside communities. "It is a high concentration for the type of organism we work with, as it has the capacity for bioaccumulation. Therefore, as more shrimp are consumed, these contaminants accumulate in the human organism itself. Currently, we are able to observe that the rivers are contaminated, showing strong anthropic pressure, which can be detected by the shrimp as indicators of environmental degradation", highlighted Jefferson. Shrimps are collected in the rivers of Amapá Amazon Network/Reproduction The study should help identify contaminated areas and encourage public policies in Amapá. The research is carried out in partnership between the State University of Amapá (Ueap) and the Federal University of Amapá (Unifap). READ MORE: Amapá has more than 28 thousand registered artisanal fishermen, according to national research Operation identifies 20 points of illegal deforestation in a federal reserve in Amapá Research uses shrimps to map illegal mining in Amapá Amazon Network/Reproduction Illegal mining in Amapá In 2026, the Federal Police (PF) has already carried out three operations against illegal mining in Amapá. The most recent occurred in the Sanctuary of Giant Trees, a forest area between Laranjal do Jari (AP) and Almeirim (PA). Illegal mining advances in Amapá and PF reinforces inspections; 3 kg of mercury were seized The Sanctuary worries authorities, who have stepped up the fight against the advance of mining in the region. In September 2025, environmental organizations warned that seven giant trees of the angelim-vermelho species, more than 80 meters tall, are at risk of disappearing in Amapá due to the spread of illegal mining. Another focus of the PF is the Tumucumaque Mountains National Park. Images recorded this Monday show puddles dug and contaminated by ore inside the Park. PF investigations show that criminal organizations finance the logistics of illegal mining in strategic areas. The main points of attention are Oiapoque, Laranjal do Jari and Calçoene. The gangs not only extract gold, but also cassiterite, an essential mineral for industry. Monitoring of areas is done via satellite. In some cases, it is only possible to measure the impact when the destruction is already extensive. PF actions are intensified in mining Federal Police/Disclosure See the latest news schedule from g1 Amapá VIDEOS with news from Amapá: