Evaluation of Serum Mercury and Microalbuminuria in Sudanese Traditional Gold Miners in Northern State

Abstract

Traditional (Artisanal) gold mining is of global health concern; there is little available information about the health problems in gold traditional mining in Sudan. This study aimed to evaluate of serum mercury and microalbuminuria in Sudanese traditional gold miners. A total of 60 male miners (30 workers used or exposed to mercury and 30 workers used cyanide and exposed briefly to the mercury mixture with soil) as well as 30 male controls, in northern state of Sudan during March to May 2016. Mercury was analyzed by using standard technique atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and microalbuminuria was analyzed by semi-quantitative chromatographic immunoassay. The result we found significant increase in mercury levels in traditional gold miners, when compared with their control group but no significant difference when compared age between traditional miners and control group P Value=0.90, we also  found significant increase in mercury levels in traditional gold miners compared with company gold miners but no significant difference when compared age between traditional miners and company gold miners P Value=0.070, there was significant increase in mercury levels in company gold miners, when compared with their control group, also no significant difference when compared age between company gold miners and control group P Value =0.131), there were significant increase in mercury levels in inhalation route traditional miners, when compared with skin contact route traditional miners, there is significant increase in mercury levels in abnormal renal function of traditional gold miners compared with mercury levels in normal renal function of traditional gold miners. This study concludes that, serum mercury levels are significantly increased in traditional gold miners, working in Kodorma area in comparison to non-exposed subjects and mining company workers used cyanide.