Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

EVALUATION OF TOTAL MERCURY IN SCALP HAIR SAMPLES OF LIBYAN FISHERMEN

Intisar Alakeili, Aiman. M. Bobaker and S.B. Sarmani

Abstract

To evaluate the concentration of total mercury (T-Hg) in Libyan fishermen 40 scalp hair samples were collected from the fishermen and analysed by neutron activation analysis. The results show that the mean (±standard deviation) of T-Hg in hair of anticipates fishermen was 5.25±1.81 μg/g in the range of 1.34 to 8.93 μg/g. In term of comparison, 15 scalp hair samples from non-fish eaters (control group) were collected and analysed for total mercury. The results show that, the mean (± standard deviation) concentration of THg in their hair samples was 1.71 ± 0.90 μg/g in the range of 0.65 to 4.01 μg/g. The difference between the two groups was significant. The influence of fish consumption, age, weight, dental amalgam and smoking were also investigated.