Determination of mercury (Hg) risk level (RQ) with exposure through fish and drinking water consumption in Bulawa Sub-district, Bone Bolango District, Gorontalo Province, Indonesia

Mercury (Hg) is a liquid metal element, silver at room temperature (25°C and has a melting and boiling points at of -38.87°C and 35.0°C) respectively. In traditional gold mining activities, Mercury (Hg) is used for gold purification (amalgamation). This study aims to determine the level of risk (RQ) in the community of Bulawa District who consume fish and drinking water sourced from the waters around traditional mining activities. This type of researcg is observational with an enviromental health risk analysisi design. Sampling was calculated using purposive sampling with the inclusion criteria by the researchers and resulted in 100 citizens. The results of the calculation of the level of Risk (RQ) of Mercury (Hg) consumption of fish and drinking water in the community of Bulawa District was 0.008 and 0.0003, respectively, thus RQ<1, meaning that it does not have an effect of health. However, this value can be used as a reference level of risk level (RQ) of Mercury (Hg) in people who consume flash and drinking water from the waters of traditional mining ares in Indonesia. Control measures can be taken to maintain the level of Risk (RQ) of Mercury (Hg)<1 though limiting the frequency of consumption and the rate of intake of fish and drinking water from surrounding waters. Warning signs of mercury contamination around mining waters can be also provided.