Illegal Gold Mining in Kuantan River: Mercury Contamination Analysis

Abstract

The illegal gold mine in kuantan singingi district was a very difficult problem. Raids on illegal gold miners have also been made, but have not been able to cause deterrent effects for the perpetrators. This was due to the lack of public knowledge of the effect caused by illegal gold mining, one of the dangers feared is mercury contamination. This study aims to analyze the mercury contents found in the water in the area of gold mining in the kuantan river, Kuantan singingi district, Riau. Determination of mercury content in the sample was conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results of the analysis found that the mercury content in the sample sites 1 and 4 was 0.0407 mg / L and 0.0117 mg / L, which means that exceeds the limit value of the provisions of 0.002 mg / L (PP No. 82 of 2001).