ANALYSIS OF BIOACCUMULATION OF BIOMERCURY (Hg) IN HAIR AND ITS IMPACT ON THE HEALTH OF MINING WORKERS IN MALOMBA VILLAGE, DONDO SUB-DISTRICT, TOLITOLI DISTRICT

Abstract

Mercury is a dangerous and toxic material, persistent, bioaccumulates, and harmful to human health. Mercury is used in the gold processing process using the amalgamation method carried out by people in gold mining without permits. Exposure to mercury in gold processing can occur through direct contact with the skin and inhalation of mercury vapor. Mercury exposure in the body can be analyzed using hair, So this study aims to determine the levels of mercury that accumulate in the hair of mine workers and the impact of mercury content in hair on the health problems of gold mine workers in Malomba Village. The hair samples used were destroyed using H2SO4, and HNO3: HCl (1:3) and analyzed using a cold vapor type Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (CV-AAS) at a wavelength of 253,7 nm. The results obtained are, the highest mercury level was 9,82 μg/g, the lowest mercury level was -0,10 μg/g and the control sample was 3,91 μg/g. The limit of mercury levels in hair according to the WHO is 1 μg/g, so the mercury level in respondents KL does not exceed the threshold, while the other 9 respondents exceed the provisions of the mercury threshold in hair, and there are 2 respondents who have symptoms of mercury exposure, namely respondent YP showing symptoms of mercury exposure in the form of tremors, frequent tingling, itching, weakness of taste buds, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea, and headaches, while respondents OP showed symptoms of mercury exposure in the form of frequent tingling, itching, easy fatigue, headaches and eye irritation.