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Improper estimation of lead contamination

Nature Sustainability volume 4, pages 17–18 (2021)Cite this article

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Matters Arising to this article was published on 21 September 2020

The Original Article was published on 29 July 2019

arising from M. Cartró-Sabaté et al. Nature Sustainability https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-019-0338-7 (2019).

Cartró-Sabaté et al.1 investigated the source and concentration of lead (Pb) in wild game hunted within an oil concession. The authors report that elevated Pb in wildlife consumed by indigenous hunters is predominantly from Pb-based ammunition. However, the accuracy of their Pb concentrations is questionable given improper and unconventional collection, preservation and storage of the tissues for metals analysis. Their dataset is appealing given the paucity of Pb data for Amazonian bushmeat but its usage without clarification of the underlying methodology may confound the user’s evaluation of Pb risks to indigenous populations.

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  1. E-Tech International, Santa Fe, NM, USA

    Diana Papoulias

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Correspondence to Diana Papoulias.

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Papoulias, D. Improper estimation of lead contamination. Nat Sustain 4, 17–18 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-020-00611-4

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