# Genetic Damage and Multi-Elemental Exposure in Populations in Proximity to Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold (ASGM) Mining Areas in North Colombia

## TL;DR

This study finds that people near gold mining areas in Colombia have higher DNA damage linked to exposure to multiple metals.

## Contribution

The study identifies a specific set of soil-derived mining elements and their non-linear genotoxic effects in a mining-impacted population.

## Key findings

- Exposed individuals had significantly higher MNBN frequencies compared to unexposed participants.
- The 'Soil-Derived Mining-Associated Elements' (PC1) were strongly associated with increased MNBN frequencies.
- Women showed higher MNBN frequencies than men, indicating sex-specific susceptibility to genotoxic effects.

## Abstract

This study evaluates DNA damage and multi-element exposure in populations from La Mojana, a region of North Colombia heavily impacted by artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). DNA damage markers from the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-Cyt) assay, including micronucleated binucleated cells (MNBN), nuclear buds (NBUDs) and nucleoplasmic bridges (NPB), were assessed in 71 exposed individuals and 37 unexposed participants. Exposed individuals had significantly higher MNBN frequencies (PR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.02–1.57, p = 0.039). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified the “Soil-Derived Mining-Associated Elements” (PC1), including V, Fe, Al, Co, Ba, Se and Mn, as being strongly associated with high MNBN frequencies in the exposed population (PR = 10.45, 95% CI: 9.75–12.18, p < 0.001). GAMLSS modeling revealed non-linear effects of PC1, with greater increases in MNBN at higher concentrations, especially in exposed individuals. These results highlight the dual role of essential and toxic elements, with low concentrations being potentially protective but higher concentrations increasing genotoxicity. Women consistently exhibited higher MNBN frequencies than men, suggesting sex-specific susceptibilities. This study highlights the compounded risks of chronic metal exposure in mining-impacted regions and underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate genotoxic risks in vulnerable populations.