Analysis of mercury and soil physical properties post gold mining: A case study of illegal gold mining

Authors

  • Irwan Taslapratama Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau, Indonesia
    ID Indonesia
  • Ervina Aryanti Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau, Indonesia
    ID Indonesia
  • Oksana Oksana Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau, Indonesia
    ID Indonesia
  • Fauziah Shahul Hamid University of Malaya, Malaysia
    MY Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62672/joease.v4i3.195

Keywords:

Bulk density, Illegal mining gold, Mercury contamination, Soil degradation

Abstract

Kuantan Singingi District in Riau Province holds significant gold deposits covering approximately 12.413.37 hectares. However, illegal gold mining has persisted in Kenegerian Kari, Kuantan Tengah Subdistrict, for about seventeen years, utilizing both traditional and modern methods. This area, originally a forested landscape, underwent extensive deforestation and subsequent illegal logging, resulting in the accumulation of tailings, sediment deposits, and the overgrowth of Cyperus species. This study aimed to determine the mercury content and assess the physical properties of the soil within this post-gold mining area. A quantitative descriptive method was employed to analyze soil pH, texture, permeability, porosity, bulk density, and mercury levels. The results revealed severe mercury contamination across all mining sites, with an average concentration of 4.001 ppm. Soil pH (H2O) ranged from moderately to strongly acidic (3.92–4.66). Furthermore, soil porosity varied from 65% to 87%, bulk density ranged from 0.84 to 1.29 g/cm3, and soil permeability fluctuated from moderately slow to rapid (0.72–8.35 cm/h). Soil texture also exhibited variation: tailing sites were dominated by clay, Cyperus and sediment sites showed high sand content, whereas undisturbed forest areas retained a silty clay loam texture. These findings imply that long-term illegal mining has critically degraded soil structure and introduced toxic levels of heavy metals, highlighting an urgent need for targeted soil remediation and land rehabilitation strategies to restore the ecosystem.

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Published

12-08-2026

How to Cite

Taslapratama, I., Aryanti, E., Oksana, O., & Hamid, F. S. (2026). Analysis of mercury and soil physical properties post gold mining: A case study of illegal gold mining. Journal of Environment and Sustainability Education, 4(3), 506–514. https://doi.org/10.62672/joease.v4i3.195

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Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026)

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