Inventory of Water Bird Species Which Accumulate Mercury from Mining Waste in Coastal Area North Gorontalo Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Artisanal gold mining waste that still contain mercury (Hg) then discharged into rivers and coastal area. Mercury in ecosystem aquatic has influence the food chain of the waterbirds. The objective of this research was to inventory the water birds species in the coastal, and describe the exposure of mercury in the organs of birds. This research conducted to the coastal region of North Gorontalo regency. Collecting data was in the Buladu and Ilangata coastal area. Data analysis to concentration mercury in the body of the water birds using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) on samples of the kidneys, liver and muscle chest tissue. This study find out four species of waterbirds in the coastal area, also mercury concentrations exposure in the organs of each species, namely: (1) Butorides striatus, exposure of mercury 0.22 ppm in kidneys, 0.17 ppm in liver, 12.12 ppm in muscle; (2) Tringa melanoleuca, exposure of mercury 0.43 ppm in kidney, 0.31 ppm in liver, 0.31 ppm in muscle; (3) Actitis hypoleucos, exposure of mercury 0.19 ppm in kidney, 0.18 ppm in liver, 0.10 ppm in muscle; (4) Pluvialis squatarola, exposure of mercury 0.11 ppm in kidney, 0.10 ppm in liver, 0.10 ppm in the muscle. This research indicated that there was mercury pollution in the river, also mercury in food chain of birds living. The research strengthening the scientific knowledge in addressing to threats the bird's biodiversity, also would be use for natural resources development and policy, as well community empowerment.

Formalization of ASGM in the Frame of Economic and Environmental Sustainability

“…According to Ramli Utina's findings, mining in Indonesia has existed since the Dutch colonial era [3], [4], and artisanal mining is one of the types of mining that has been practiced since ancient times and regulated by laws. In general, its management is handled by local communities using basic technologies, offering economic potential and advantages for the local artisanal mining workforce.…”