Collaboration with Nlaka'pamux communities to examine metal deposition on soapberry in interior British Columbia

This paper presents a collaboration with Indigenous Nlaka'pamux communities to develop a study to address the effects of mining dust on soapberry (Shepherdia canadensis), which is an important medicinal and food resource for local Nlaka'pamux people. The objectives were to compare element concentrations in samples of washed and unwashed leaves and berries relative to soil samples collected around the mine and in a reference area. Samples were analyzed for metal concentrations using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Spatial models showed that six metals (Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Sr) had significant elevated concentrations near the mine compared to farther away, though concentrations were generally within ranges reported for human consumption. There was no correspondence with soil metal concentrations, suggesting that elevated metal concentrations in leaves and berries near the mine were due to dust rather than uptake from local soils. Washing of leaves and berries reduced concentrations by between 13 and 48%, depending on the metal. The study illustrates a model with global relevance for how mines can work with communities to address complex social-ecological problems.