DAMPAK PENAMBANGAN EMAS ILEGAL DI KABUPATEN BURU TERHADAP KONSENTRASI MERKURI (Hg) PADA KEPITING BAKAU (Scylla serrata) DAN KEONG BAKAU (Telescopium telescopium)

Abstract

Background: Illegal gold mining in Buru Regency uses the heavy metal mercury to
process gold material, so it can pollute the environment, including aquatic biota such as
mangrove crabs (Scylla serrata) and mangrove snails (Telescopium telescopium). The aim
of this research is to analyze the amount of mercury concentration and the level of pollution
in mangrove crabs and snails as a result of illegal gold mining in Buru Regency.
Methods: Research samples were taken at the Waelata River Estuary and the Anahoni
River Estuary. For mercury analysis, 8 mangrove crabs and 16 mangrove snails were
taken. Analysis of mercury concentration using the AAS Cold Vapor method.
Results: The results showed that the heavy metal mercury was detected in mangrove
crabs and mangrove snails. The concentration of mercury detected is still below the quality
standard set based on heavy metal contamination (SNI) No. 7387 of 2009, specifically for
the heavy metal Hg in shellfish (bilvalves), mollusks and sea cucumbers, shrimp and other
crustaceans at 1.0 mg/kg (ppm).
Conclusion: Illegal gold mining in Buru Regency has an impact on mercury concentrations
in mangrove crabs and mangrove snails, but the value is still below the specified quality
standards. However, consumption of mangrove crabs and mangrove snails that live around
gold mining areas in Buru Regency must be limited, considering the nature of mercury
accumulation.