Effectiveness Test of Lime toward the Mercury Level Reduction in Nike Fish (Awaousmelanocephalus) In Gorontalo City

Abstract

Gold mining activities can produce toxic mercury waste. Mercury can contaminate waters as well as fish whichmay cause health problems due to the accumulation of heavy metals in the body if it is consumed. Nike fish (Awaousmelanocephalus) is one of the fish species found in Gorontalo waters which is presumed to be endemic fish consumed by humans. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of lime juice in reducing levels of heavy metal mercury (Hg) in Nike fish. This studyuses True Experimental research design by taking the population ofNike fish on the north coast of Leato, and the sample is Nike fish that are sold in the traditional market of Leato, Gorontalo City. Obtained data are analyzed by One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Test and Post Hoc Test (LSD).
The results show thatNike fish that are soaked in 25% concentration of lime juice for 20 minutes, the concentration of mercury level decreases 0,02682 ppm, in 50% concentration, it decreases 0.02457 ppm, and in 75% concentration, it decreases 0.02140 ppm.Therefore, treatment of soaking Nike fish in lime juice can reduce the mercury level.
The conclusion is that lime juice is effective in reducing heavy metal mercury (Hg), and the higher the concentration, the lower the mercury content in Nike fish.