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.