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Sombo, A. (2002). Use of Mercury in Artisanal Gold Mining in Côte d’Ivoire. Technical Report, Ministry of Mines.

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Assessment of Multi-Metal Pollution in Aby Lagoon Sediments (Côte d’Ivoire): An ICP-MS Geochemical Approach

  AUTHORS: Akoua Clarisse Kra, Ismael Ben Ouattara, Kouame Leger Djeya, N’Goran Jean-Paul Yao, Jean Yves Maxime Kouadio

  KEYWORDS: Aby Lagoon, Sediments, Heavy Metals, Contamination, Ecotoxicology, Côte d’Ivoire

  JOURNAL NAME: Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, Vol.14 No.9, September 29, 2026

  ABSTRACT: This study assesses the contamination of sediments in Aby Lagoon, specifically in the Étuessika-Assinie Canal sector, by trace metals (Cd, Ni, Pb, Hg, Zn, As, Cr, Cu). ICP-MS analyses reveal concentrations far exceeding the geochemical background values of the upper continental crust (UCC), confirming severe pollution. Maximum levels reached 52.19 mg/kg for cadmium (Cd), 453.20 mg/kg for nickel (Ni), and 1186.99 mg/kg for lead (Pb). Geochemical indices (enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index) suggest contamination of predominantly anthropogenic origin, probably linked to artisanal gold mining as well as agricultural and urban discharges. Ecotoxicological assessment highlights a high risk for benthic organisms and a potential threat to local populations.