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.