Mercury concentrations in hair from populations in Wau-Bulolo area, Papua New Guinea |
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Authors: | K Saeki M Fujimoto D Kolinjim R Tatsukawa |
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Institution: | (1) Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, Department of Environment Conservation, Ehime University, Tarumi 3-5-7, 790 Matsuyama, Japan;(2) Environmental Monitoring Section, Wau Ecology Institute, P.O. Box 77, Wau, Papua, New Guinea |
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Abstract: | Total mercury (Hg) concentrations were determined in scalp hair from the populations in the Wau-Bulolo area, eastern Papua New Guinea (PNG), where humans are exposed to large quantities of Hg through gold-mining activities by Hg amalgamation processes. Humans living upstream and not engaged in gold mining had a mean hair Hg concentration of 0.55 g g–1 (range: 0.19–1.1 g g–1) (n=80), which was recognized as the background level in this area. In contrast, the populations involved in gold-mining activities had a significantly higher level of hair Hg (mean: 1.2 g g–1, range: 0.39–3.0 g g–1) (n=86) than the background level, indicating direct or indirect exposure to Hg from gold mining. The hair Hg level in populations downstream of the gold-mining area was significantly higher than the background level, due to the consumption of Hg-contaminated fish. Mercury concentrations were significantly higher in males than in females, regardless of location properties. |
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