[A-AS09] Atmospheric Chemistry

[AAS09-P08] Horizontal distribution of Atmospheric mercury concentrations and its impact for soil observed at Artisanal Small-scale Gold Mining area in Indonesia

*Kazuki Oura¹, Koyomi Nakazawa², Osamu Nagafuchi³, Yuto Okumura², Basir Cyio⁴, Isrun Nur⁴, Mery Napitupulu⁴ (1.The graduate school of Toyama prefectural university, 2.Toyama prefectural university, 3.Fukuoka Institute of Technology, 4. Tadulako University)

Keywords:Atmospheric mercury concentrations, artisanal small-scale gold mining, carbon concentration in soil, mercury concentration in soil

Even in small amounts, mercury (Hg) can harmful affect for the animals. As of 2018, it is estimated that the anthropogenic sources emit 2500t of Hg to the atmosphere. Artisanal Small-scale Gold mining (ASGM) sectors accounts for 38% of Hg emission.
ASGM activity has been widely conducted in developing countries, including Southeast Asian countries. It is estimated that more than 10~19 million people are engaged ASGM activities, and about 5.5 million are women and children. Considering the recent increase of gold prices, mercury emissions to the environment from ASGM activities is still big concern. In addition, human health risk of ASGM workers and people who live in ASGM community area have become an issue. The authors have been observed atmospheric mercury concentration and assessing its environmental risk in several ASGM areas in Indonesia. ASGM activity area near Palu City in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, is surrounded by the urban area with a population of 340,000. In 2005, gold vein was discovered near Palu city and ASGM activities has became active. In our presentation we will discuss about the horizontal distribution of atmospheric Hg concentration and soil concentration observed in 2023, March and compared to 2010 observation. In addition, we will talk about the mercury contamination of soil compared to carbon concentration in soil.