Human Mercury Exposure Associated with Artisanal Gold Miners in Sudan

Abstract

Background: Mercury concentration in the blood is one of mercury exposure biomarkers. This study was conducted in Abuhamed mining area in Sudan, during the period from August 2012 to November 2014.The aim of the study was to evaluate serum mercury levels and to assess lung functions in artisanal gold miners. Methods: The study included 123 subjects, of them 83 were working in the gold mining area, beside 50 healthy volunteers from Khartoum State, as control group. Serum mercury was measured by direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80). Lung function tests were done with a portable spirometer. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Results:The study observed significant increase in serum mercury levels in the gold miners, when compared with control group (24.9 ± 32.24µg/l) versus (1.40 ± 0.94µg/l) with P value (0.000). The mean forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) in the gold miners was (3.24 ± 0.57) versus (3.40 ± 0.39) in the control group, while the mean forced vital capacity (FVC) in the mercury exposed miners was (3.7 ± 0.69) versus (3.86 ± 0.60) in non-exposed control group. Conclusion: Serum mercury levels significantly increase in the traditional gold miners working in Abuhamed, while forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) decrease but with no statistical significance.

The exposure and toxic effects of mercury in gold mining activities

“…This study showed that the Hugh level of mercury in urine sample taken from Altwahen area 12 km away from Abou Hamad in Nile river state (Sudan) (mean 2785.4238 ppm) and tremor 37%, which is different from the research done by global mercury project 13 . The study showed that the population's exposure did not lead to high mercury levels in blood, hair, or urine.…”

“…This study is one of a few studies in Sudan aimed to evaluate the mercury toxicity among Sudanese people. Tayrab et al 13 , conducted a study in Abu Hamad and found a significant increase in serum mercury levels in the gold miners N, serum mercury level (1.40 ± 0.94 µg/L)). In our study, we agree that there is a significant increase in biological parameter urinate mercury level.…”

“…Tayrab et al concluded that forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) decreased but with no statistical significance 13 . The washers in our study were those were involved in washing the ores with mercury.…”

Human Health Risk Assessment from Mercury-Contaminated Soil and Water in Abu Hamad Mining Market, Sudan

“…A few research studies have explored mercury exposure in ASGM and its associated health risks in Abu Hamad. One of the few studies highlighted elevated serum mercury levels among traditional gold miners from August 2012 to November 2014 [ 24 ]. Another study focused on urinary mercury concentrations in individuals occasionally exposed to mercury during artisanal gold mining, revealing alarming levels in 98% of participants [ 25 ].…”