Analysis of mercury (Hg) levels in the Patipulu River ecosystem, Kaiely Village, Buru Island

Abstract

Gold deposits on Gunung Botak, Buru Island, were discovered in 2011. Illegal miners extract gold using mercury (Hg) in rotating drums (trommel). For flushing, a lot of water is used so that the drum is placed along the river bank and the resulting waste is disposed of directly into the environment so this is very dangerous for humans and the environment. One of the areas where the drum is located in the river bank of the Patipulu River, Kaiely Village. This research was conducted to determine the levels and distribution of mercury at the ex-trommel location and the Patipulu River ecosystem. The results showed that tromol waste had a mercury concentration of 22 ppm or 22 times higher than the standard (SNI for mercury levels in the sediment was a maximum of 1 ppm) while river sediments were 16 times higher. From the data obtained, it can be concluded that the Patipulu River ecosystem has been contaminated with mercury.