September, 25 2020
Overview:
- The Yellowknife Garden Metals Study (YKGMS) collects information on the amount of arsenic and other mining related contaminants (antimony, cadmium, lead, manganese, copper, zinc, and vanadium) in backyard garden soils and produce in Yellowknife (YK), Ndilo, Dettah and surrounding area.
- Studies have shown soils in the YK area are impacted by past mining emissions. Concentrations of arsenic in soil near YK, particularly near the Giant and Con mines, are higher than other parts of the country.
- A 2001 study from Royal Military College found that produce from 9 Yellowknife gardens had higher levels of arsenic than the national average, a risk assessment concluded that the Yellowknife garden produce is still safe to eat.
- A growing number of YK residents have personal gardens or are starting agricultural initiatives, including selling locally grown produce. It is important to evaluate the levels of arsenic in garden soils and produce to evaluate the risk associated with eating locally produced produce.
Objectives:
- Conduct a survey of arsenic and metal concentrations in Yellowknife area garden produce and garden soils
- Data from this study will inform a risk assessment to determine if the consumption of garden vegetables presents a health risk to residents
- Investigate how specific garden produce take up metals from soil and the form of arsenic present in local produce
Methods:
- Participants from Yellowknife, Ndilo, Dettah and surrounding area are able to submit garden produce and soil for analysis.
- Any type of garden produce is welcome, we are particularly interested in spinach, kale, peas, beans, potatoes and carrots.
- Participants are asked to harvest and wash garden produce as they would for consumption and place approximately 1 cup in a clean zip-lock bag. Different types of produce should be place in different bags. Collect approximately ¼ cup of soil from four different locations in your garden and place all the soil together in a separate Ziploc bag. Label all the bags with the date of collection, location, and your contact information. An accompanying sample collection sheet is available.
- Produce and soil samples submitted will be sent to Queens University for analysis of arsenic and other mining associated metals
- Participants who submit locally grown produce and soil to the study will receive their individual results and interpretation of what those numbers mean
For More Information Visit: Yellowknife Garden Metals Study
Contact: Mike Palmer mpalmer@auroracollege.nt.ca or 867-446-0511