Kajian Risiko Kesehatan Masyarakat Akibat Pajanan Merkuri Pada Pertambangan Emas Rakyat Di Kabupaten Lebak, Banten

Abstract

Indonesia has artisanal gold mining spreading throughout the archipelago, one of which is located in Lebak District of Banten Province. The artisanal gold mining usually use mercury in the amalgamation process. The latest fact showed that mercury used in artisanal gold minings has been directly discharged to the surrounding environment, polluting soil and rivers. Whereas mercury is considered as one of the hazardous and toxic waste (B3) that cannot be directly discharged to the environment as it can cause several health problems. The purpose of this research is to identify mercury concentrations in the environment of Cibeber and Bayah Sub Districts, Lebak District, Banten Province and its effect to the health of community who is in contact with the disposed mercury. This is an analytic descriptive research that uses a health risk assessment method and quantitative approach. This research reveals that mercury concentrations in samples of water, fish, vegetables, and soil taken from the surrounding environment in the research location have exceeded the quality standard which respectively average 0,04695 mg/l, 0,5175 mg/kg, 0,173 mg/kg, and 0,165 mg/kg. The health risk assessment shows that community lives surrounding the gold mining has potency to suffer related health problems as the RQ rate is higher than 1 (RQ = 18,5756)