DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/presipitasi.v0i0.%25p

Phytoremediation as a Sustainable Solution for Mercury Contamination in Artisanal Gold Mining Sites: Insights from ASGM in South Lampung, Indonesia

*Muhammad Akbari Danasla  -  Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Indonesia
Chyndy Anjelita  -  Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Indonesia
Rizqi Arbi Julyanto  -  Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Indonesia

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Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) significantly contributes to mercury contamination, posing severe environmental and health risks due to improper disposal and release of mercury into soil and water. This study investigates the potential of phytoremediation as a sustainable solution to mitigate mercury contamination at an ASGM site in XYZ Village, Katibung Subdistrict, South Lampung Regency, Indonesia. Initial assessments revealed mercury concentrations of 0.367 mg/L in water and 74.8215 mg/kg in soil, exceeding national regulatory limits. Phytoremediation trials were conducted using Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), Pistia stratiotes L. (water lettuce), and Cyperus rotundus (nutsedge) under controlled conditions. Water hyacinth demonstrated 100% mercury removal efficiency in water within nine days, while nutsedge reduced mercury levels in soil by 61.8% over 21 days. Combined treatments of water hyacinth and water lettuce further enhanced mercury removal in water samples. The results highlight phytoremediation as an effective, low-cost, and eco-friendly strategy for rehabilitating mercury-contaminated environments. Future research should focus on optimizing phytoremediation techniques and integrating them into community-based environmental management programs.
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Keywords: phytoremediation; ASGM; soil pollution; mercury contamination; environmental degradation

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