Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

The aim of this study to analyze mercury (Hg) content in the water toward renal dysfunction among gold miners in TahiIte village, Rarowatu district, Bombana regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province. This study was conducted in TahiIte village, Rarowatu district, Bombana regency. This study was used a quantitative observational research with cross sectional approach. The samples were taken from well water samples and respondent's urine and conducted with purposive sampling. There were 32 respondents in this study. The data were analyzed used correlation test. The mercury content (Hg) in the drinking water source among gold miners in TahiIte village was below than limitation by Regulation of Health Minister (Permenkes) 492/2010 (<0.001 mg/L). The mercury content in gold miner's urine was ranged from 3.8788 μg/L.to 155.4950 μg/L. There were 31 respondents (96.7%) had mercury content in urine that higher than 4 μg/L. There were 4 respondents had experienced albuminuria as early symptom on kidney disease in traditional gold miners. There was no significant relationship between working period and water consumption duration had increased albumin content in urine. Besides, there was no significant relationship between ages with mercury content in the urine. The higher in working period, water consumption duration and nutritional status had increased mercury content in urine. There also no significant relationship between mercury content on urine and drinking water with kidney failure.