Distribution of mercury in the hair of residents of Aktash (Republic of Altai)

Abstract

The aim of the study: to reveal the peculiarities of mercury distribution in the hair of residents of the Aktash settlement, which is located within the natural mercury anomaly (Kurai mercury zone, Russia) and influence area of a mercury deposit with stored mercury-containing waste.

Location and time of the study. Sampling was carried out in 2019 in Aktash village (Ulagan district, Altai Republic), which is part of the Kurai mercury zone.

Methodology. Mercury in the samples was determined by the atomic absorption method using a RA915M mercury analyzer.

Results. High concentrations of Hg in the atmospheric and soil air were revealed. The average mercury content in the hair of Aktash residents was 0.23 μg/g, which was significantly lower than the reference value. An increased content of mercury in the hair of the indigenous population of the Aktash settlement was revealed, the differences being sex-related. The highest mercury levels were found in former mining workers. It was found that mercury enters the body of the inhabitants of the settlement to a greater extent by breathing and as a result of adsorption from the atmosphere on the hair surface, and to a lesser extent through the consumption of food containing mercury (fish, mushrooms) or as a result of smoking.