DETECTION OF MERCURY IN BACKYARD PIGS’ MEAT AND WATER SOURCE IN MINING IMPACT COMMUNITIES OF AROROY, MASBATE

Abstract

This study determined the level of mercury (Hg) from the meat of backyard pigs raised in communities directly affected by the small-scale gold mining industries in Aroroy, Masbate, as well as from the water sources used for raising the same animals. Two meat samples from newly butchered pigs were collected from each of the four impact communities. The water samples were obtained from Guinobatan River that runs along the impact communities, tap water from the faucet and stocked water from water trough of the pigs. All samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry-Cold Vapor Technique. One meat sample and one water sample from the same community were positive for mercury at a level of <0.10 μg/g and 0.001 mg/l respectively. The traces of mercury detected in these samples were within the admissible concentration. Results are a significant indicator that the environment is contaminated with mercury and that mercury residue in pork and water may endanger food safety and cause serious public health hazard. There is a need therefore for strict imposition of proper waste disposal of mercury among small-scale gold mining firms.