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Updated: Nov 25, 2025
An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium
Published on: December 17, 2018
Mercury Exposure in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Communities in Sukabumi, Indonesia
Alfonsus H Harianja1, Grace S Saragih1, Ridwan Fauzi1
1Research and Development Center for Environmental Quality and Laboratory (P3KLL), Banten, Indonesia.
Background:
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is one of the largest sources of mercury (Hg) pollution in Indonesia. In West Java Province, ASGM is found in Bogor, Cianjur, and Sukabumi Regencies.
Objectives:
The present study aimed to evaluate Hg contamination effects and socioeconomic factors in communities living around ASGM operations in Sukabumi Regency.
Methods:
A quantitative method was used to describe socioeconomic ASGM communities. The concentrations of total mercury (T-Hg) in hair were measured in 71 respondents. This study also assessed perception of the use of Hg in the gold ore processing and their impact on the environment.
Results:
The population of gold miners in the studied three villages was 1300 households (25.77% from a total of 5044 households). Artisanal and small-scale gold mining involves both men and women employed as miners and gold amalgam processors, respectively. The average monthly income generated as much as Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) 272 000-2 000 000 (about 19-140 USD). Total Hg analysis was conducted for hair samples of 71 respondents (38 men, 33 women). The results showed an average T-Hg in men of 3.27±2.89 ppm, and women of 5.91±4.69 ppm. The level of T-Hg in the respondents was associated with distance to the ball mills and not related to distance to the mine site.
Participant Consent:
Obtained.
Ethics Approval:
This study was approved by Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia.
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no competing financial interests.
