The objective of the study was to examine the levels of mercury concentrations in plants due to the traditional gold mining of Buladu, Sumalata District, Gorontalo Regency. Buladu gold mining was located in Sumalata District, North Gorontalo Regency, Gorontalo Province. Plant samples were taken in 3 locations, namely plants living along the Hulawa River, living near to the tailings and those in residential areas. The number of plants that became the samples along the Hulawa River were 13 samples, 5 samples in the tailings, and 16 samples in residential areas. The total number of plants were as many as 34 samples. The samplings were taken from the roots and leaves so that there were a total of 68 samples. Plant analysis was carried out using mercury analyzer at UGM Integrated Research and Testing Laboratory. The quality standard used as a reference for plants employed the Decree of the Director General of National Agency of Drug and Food Control No: 03725 / B / SK / VII / 89, where mercury levels could not exceed 0.5 mg / kg. Data analysis used tables and graphs and was subsequently interpreted. The results showed that the concentration of mercury in the leaves of plants living along the Hulawa River ranged from 0.00142 mg / kg to 0.41617 mg / l and that in the root ranged from <0.00014 - 14.890 mg / kg. Mercury concentrations in plants living around the tailings in leaves ranged between <0.00014 - 1.30822 and at roots ranging from 0.01058 - 12.59366. In residential areas, the concentration of mercury in leaves ranged from <0.00014-1.44368 mg / kg and in the root ranged from <0.00014-1.94505. Based on these results, the concentration of mercury in plants along the river, around the tailings and in the people’s resident area tended to be above the quality standards set by the Decree of the Director General of National Agency of Drug and Food Control No: 03725 / B / SK / VII / 89.

This research aims at evaluating water-quality characteristics in Limboto Lake ecosystem in accordance with its designation. The research took place in Limboto Lake and the rivers that drain water into the lake. Samples were taken at 5 spots in Limboto Lake and 8 spots at the surrounding rivers. The rivers that flow into Limboto Lake and were made as samples consisted of Alo River (3 samples), Toyidito River (2 samples), Molamahu River (1 sample), Molalahu River (1 sample) and also Alopohu Dam (1 sample). Instruments used were pH meter and thermometer for physical parameters, and AAS for chemical parameters. Microbiology was measured using MPN method. The results of the analysis indicated that the water quality in Limboto Lake and the surrounding rivers were polluted. The parameters of nitrate, phosphate and hydrogen sulfide were above the standard stipulated by the Government Regulation Number 82 of 2001.

Artisanal Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in Gorontalo spread across several regions. One is located in the village Bumela, District Bilato, Gorontalo regency. The processing of gold at the mine site Bumela do with the amalgamation method. The purpose of this study is to assess the content of mercury in sediments around the ASGM Bumela. Sediment sampling sites in Totopo River, Motebo River and ASGM Bumela tailings. The number of sampling point sediment in the river are 15 points. The number of sampling point sediment in tailings location is 2 points. Sampling was done by varying the depth of 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm. To determine the concentration of mercury in the sediment used Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) without a flame in LPPMHP Gorontalo Province. The quality standard levels of mercury in the sediment used European Safety Standard. The average content of mercury in the sediment was 71.36 mg/kg. The average content of mercury in the tailings is 31.95 mg/kg. The content of mercury in Totopo River, Motebo River and the tailings are exceeding the quality standard of European Safety Standard.

More than a million workers are at risk for methylene chloride exposure. Aerosol sprays and paint stripping may also cause significant nonoccupational exposures. After methylene chloride inhalation, significant amounts of carbon monoxide are formed in vivo as a metabolic by-product. Poisoning predominantly affects the central nervous system and results from both carboxyhemoglobin formation and direct solvent-related narcosis. In this report, we describe a case of methylene chloride intoxication probably complicated by exogenous carbon monoxide exposure. The worker's presentation of intermittent headaches was consistent with both methylene chloride intoxication and carbon monoxide poisoning. The exposures and symptoms were corroborated by elevated carboxyhemoglobin saturations and a workplace inspection that documented significant exposures to both methylene chloride and carbon monoxide. When both carbon monoxide and methylene chloride are inhaled, additional carboxyhemoglobin formation is expected. Preventive efforts should include education, air monitoring, and periodic carboxyhemoglobin determinations. Methylene chloride should never be used in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas because of the well-documented dangers of loss of consciousness and death. Images Figure 1

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui konsentrasi merkuri pada ikan di perairan Laut Sulawesi akibat Penambangan Emas Tradisional Buladu. Lokasi penelitian  dilakukan di perairan laut di Desa Buladu Kecamatan Sumalata Kabupaten Gorontalo Utara. Jenis ikan yang dijadikan sampel yakni   jenis-jenis ikan kakap dan kerapu. Pengambilan sampel pada ikan dilakukan secara acak sebanyak 18 sampel. Analisis sampel merkuri pada ikan dilakukan pada laboratorium pembinaan dan pengujian mutu hasil perikanan provinsi Gorontalo dengan menggunakan AAS tanpa nyala. Baku mutu yang dijadikan acuan untuk konsentrasi merkuri pada ikan menggunakan Sk Dirjen POM No: 03725/B/SK/VII/89 sebesar 0,5 mg/kg.  Hasil analisis konsentrasi merkuri pada ikan berkisar 0,3154 – 2,2977 mg/kg. Konsentrasi rata-rata sebesar 1,1882 mg/kg. Hasil analisis ini sudah berada diatas baku mutu yang ditetapkan sebesar 0,5 mg/kg (SK Dirjen POM No: 03725/B/SK/VII/89). Salah satu faktor penyebab tingginya konsentrasi merkuri pada ikan yaitu akibat penambang yang membuang limbah ke sungai dan bermuara ke Laut Sulawesi. Hal ini dapat membahayakan kesehatan masyarakat di Kecamatan Sumalata dan Kabupaten Gorontalo Utara  pada umumnya.