MERCURY EXPOSURE FROM FISH IN THE KENJERAN BEACH AREA, SURABAYA: RESEARCH PROTOCOL

Abstract

Background: One of the abundant food sources of high protein is fish. Fish can be an alternative source of protein. However, recent developments in industrialization and human activities (agriculture, plantations) that lead to degradation of environmental quality followed by ecological imbalances have created major public health problems related to the safety of fish consumed in mining areas and industrialization has occurred. Methods: This study was conducted by analyzing mercury levels in raw fish (freshwater and saltwater fish) originating from the waters of the city of Surabaya. The samples used were the total population of 8 traditional markets at Kenjeran Beach in Surabaya. Fish seller recruitment was carried out using a simple random sampling technique. Seven sellers were randomly selected from each market. From each seller, one freshwater fish, and one saltwater fish was taken for laboratory analysis of mercury contamination. The fish seller's knowledge was assessed through an interview with a structured questionnaire. Discussion: The purpose of this study was to measure and identify mercury contamination in fish (freshwater and saltwater fish) and to see the level of knowledge of fish sellers regarding mercury contamination in fish. Due to the different levels of knowledge for each seller. Potentially, this research can provide information and education to sellers regarding mercury contamination and obtain a map of the distribution of mercury pollution in the waters of the Kenjeran area of Surabaya.