The Importance of Mercury Content Analysis

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 33 views

Analysis of Mercury Content (HG) in River Water and Community Attitudes towards Traditional Gold Processing in Nagari Ganggo Hilia, Bonjol District

Introduction

Traditional gold mining in Nagari Ganggo Hilia, Bonjol District, Pasaman Regency, is a community activity that has a significant impact on environmental quality. The gold processing process carried out by the amalgam method often causes river water pollution, which not only threatens public health, but also has a negative impact on ecosystems. In this study, we analyzed the level of mercury (HG) in river water located around the gold processing location, as well as the attitudes and knowledge of the community regarding the dangers caused by Mercury.

The Importance of Mercury Content Analysis

Mercury is a toxic substance that can have severe health effects on humans and the environment. Exposure to mercury can cause neurological damage, birth defects, and even death. In the context of traditional gold mining, mercury is used to extract gold from ore, but it is often released into the environment, contaminating rivers and streams. The analysis of mercury content in river water is crucial to understand the extent of pollution and to develop strategies to mitigate its effects.

Research Methodology

This research is descriptive, using primary data obtained from laboratory testing on river water samples at three points: upstream, gold processing area, and downstream rivers. In addition, data is also collected through questionnaires distributed to 43 respondents. This aims to get a clearer picture of the use of water agencies by the community and their level of knowledge about mercury pollution.

Research Result

The results of the analysis showed that the mercury content in the three river water collection points did not meet the requirements and exceeded the threshold set by PP RI No. 82 of 2001. The highest mercury content is found in the downstream of the river, which is 0.104 mg/l, while the lowest level is recorded in the upper river of 0,0008 mg/l. River water around the gold processing area is widely used by the community as a source of driving force for gold processing machines, thereby increasing the risk of mercury exposure.

Community Knowledge and Attitudes

The level of community knowledge about the dangers of mercury in river water is very alarming. Most respondents show indifferent attitudes of the potential risks caused by water pollution. This is a serious concern, considering that the river water is used for various daily needs, including as a source of drinking water, rice field irrigation, and fish ponds.

The Impact of Mercury Pollution

Mercury pollution can have severe consequences on human health and the environment. Exposure to mercury can cause neurological damage, birth defects, and even death. In addition, mercury pollution can also affect the ecosystem, causing changes in the food chain and potentially leading to the extinction of certain species.

Conclusion and Recommendations

From the results of this study it can be concluded that the contamination of mercury in the body of water around traditional gold processing results in the water is not suitable for use for daily life. Therefore, it is very important for miners to pay more attention to waste from gold processing so as not to be discharged directly into the river, which can damage the quality of water and the surrounding soil.

In addition, the government, both at the sub-district and district level, is advised to carry out regular water quality monitoring. With these steps, it is expected that water quality can be improved, and the community can utilize water resources more securely, as well as raise awareness of the importance of protecting the environment for the sake of shared health and safety.

Recommendations for Future Research

Future research should focus on developing strategies to mitigate the effects of mercury pollution in traditional gold mining areas. This can include the development of alternative gold processing methods that do not use mercury, as well as the implementation of regulations to prevent the discharge of mercury into the environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of mercury content analysis in traditional gold mining areas. The results of this study show that the mercury content in river water around the gold processing location exceeds the threshold set by PP RI No. 82 of 2001. The community's knowledge and attitudes towards mercury pollution are also alarming, with most respondents showing indifferent attitudes towards the potential risks caused by water pollution. Therefore, it is essential to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and to develop strategies to mitigate the effects of mercury pollution.

References

PP RI No. 82 of 2001: Regulation on the Management of Mercury in the Environment
World Health Organization (WHO): Mercury and Health
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Mercury and the Environment

Appendix

Questionnaire used to collect data from respondents
Laboratory testing results for mercury content in river water samples
Maps of the study area, including the location of gold processing areas and river water collection points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mercury Content in River Water and Community Attitudes towards Traditional Gold Processing

Q: What is the main purpose of this study?

A: The main purpose of this study is to analyze the level of mercury (HG) in river water located around the gold processing location, as well as the attitudes and knowledge of the community regarding the dangers caused by Mercury.

Q: What is the significance of mercury content analysis in traditional gold mining areas?

A: Mercury content analysis is crucial to understand the extent of pollution and to develop strategies to mitigate its effects. Mercury is a toxic substance that can have severe health effects on humans and the environment.

Q: What are the potential risks of mercury exposure?

A: Exposure to mercury can cause neurological damage, birth defects, and even death. In addition, mercury pollution can also affect the ecosystem, causing changes in the food chain and potentially leading to the extinction of certain species.

Q: What are the community's knowledge and attitudes towards mercury pollution?

A: The level of community knowledge about the dangers of mercury in river water is very alarming. Most respondents show indifferent attitudes of the potential risks caused by water pollution.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: Future research should focus on developing strategies to mitigate the effects of mercury pollution in traditional gold mining areas. This can include the development of alternative gold processing methods that do not use mercury, as well as the implementation of regulations to prevent the discharge of mercury into the environment.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the community and the environment?

A: The results of this study highlight the importance of protecting the environment and raising awareness about the dangers of mercury pollution. The community should be aware of the potential risks of mercury exposure and take steps to mitigate its effects.

Q: What are the recommendations for the government and regulatory agencies?

A: The government and regulatory agencies should implement regulations to prevent the discharge of mercury into the environment. Regular water quality monitoring should be carried out to ensure that the water is safe for human consumption and other uses.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study?

A: The potential benefits of this study include the development of strategies to mitigate the effects of mercury pollution, the implementation of regulations to prevent the discharge of mercury into the environment, and the raising of awareness about the dangers of mercury pollution.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include the small sample size and the limited scope of the study. Future research should focus on developing strategies to mitigate the effects of mercury pollution in traditional gold mining areas.

Q: What are the future directions for research?

A: Future research should focus on developing alternative gold processing methods that do not use mercury, as well as the implementation of regulations to prevent the discharge of mercury into the environment. The study should also focus on raising awareness about the dangers of mercury pollution and the importance of protecting the environment.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the mining industry?

A: The results of this study highlight the importance of protecting the environment and raising awareness about the dangers of mercury pollution. The mining industry should take steps to mitigate the effects of mercury pollution and implement regulations to prevent the discharge of mercury into the environment.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The potential applications of this study include the development of strategies to mitigate the effects of mercury pollution, the implementation of regulations to prevent the discharge of mercury into the environment, and the raising of awareness about the dangers of mercury pollution.