Exposure of Mercury from Gold Ming Area: A Case Study in Tendo and Aby Lagoon in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Lagoons of West African countries are seriously threatened by rapid artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) that exposes lagoons to mercury pollution. In this study, the mercury level in the sediments of the Tendo and Aby lagoons in Côte d'Ivoire had been evaluated. A total of 87 samples from 25 stations located on Tendo and Aby lagoons were analyzed by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The mean Hg concentrations obtained in the sediments of Tendo and Aby lagoons were 0.89 ± 0.26 mg•kg −1 and 0.70 ± 0.18 mg•kg −1 , respectively. Hg concentrations evaluated in the bays of Tendo and Aby during the dry season were 1.38 ± 0.45 mg•kg −1 and 1.07 ± 0.31 mg•kg −1 , respectively. The minimum and maximum total Hg concentrations in the sediments from 25 stations were 0.04 and 3.56 mg•kg −1 , respectively. Mercury contamination in lagoons during ASGM poses risks of pollution for the lagoon ecosystem and also poses health risks for the population living near these lagoons.

Mercury Levels Assessment in the Population of Aby and Frambo Villages in the Vinicity of Aby Lagoon in Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)

“…In addition to spatial, bathymetric, and hydrological variations, Aby and Tendo lagoons were influenced by the Bia and Tanoe rivers, respectively. Those lagoons are the estuaries of the Bia and Tanoe rivers, respectively [18].…”

“…Indeed, Aby and frambo village are two villages located along respectively Aby and Tendo lagoons. Then, previous study was recorded that the both lagoons were mercury contaminated sites [18]. So, the total population exposure could be resulted to the consumption of contaminated fishes particularly those permanently lives in these lagoons that are influenced by mining population.…”

“…and showed a mercury accumulation in sediments of these lagoons but through fishing activities, they constitute and provide a real source of living for the local populations [18].…”

“…Considering age, the lowest concentrations were observed with children. However, when we take in account the age groups, data suggested that the most exposed sub-population of [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29]…”

Distribution and Contamination of Arsenic in Fish, Gastropods and Bivalves in the Aby and Tendo Lagoons in East of Ivory Coast

“…They form a natural border with Ghana. Aby Lagoon is the northernmost of the four lagoons [5]. It is fed by the Bia River and is known for its strong winds and waves.…”