Mercury Exposure in the Scalp Hair of Malahing Residents, Bontang, East Kalimantan

Abstract

Research on mercury exposure in the scalp hair of Malahing Village residents has been done. They consume fish in their daily lives so they are potentially exposed to mercury. The total mercury content in their scalp hair was measured by Thermal Decomposition Gold Amalgamation Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Method. The analysis result showed that the mercury content in their scalp hair was between 0.34-2.73 ppm. Mercury levels in the scalp hair of female and male samples are not significantly different. There is a tendency for mercury levels to increase with age.