Ecological and Human Health Risks Assessment of Arsenic in Sediments Around Gold Mining Areas in Northern Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Arsenic contamination of sediments is a worldwide concern, both for the environment and for human health. However, few data are available on the state of arsenic pollution in sediments near artisanal and industrial gold mining areas in Côte d'Ivoire. The aim of this study is to assess the spatial distribution of arsenic and its ecological and human health risks in sediments around gold mining areas in northern Côte d'Ivoire. Sampling was carried out in artisanal and industrial mining areas in Korhogo and Tengrela, northern Côte d'Ivoire. Spatial differences were determined using analysis of variance. Pollution indices were studied using the contamination factor and the enrichment factor. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk indices were used to investigate human health risks. The study revealed total arsenic concentrations ranging from 1.64 ± 0.04 to 159.72 ± 51.91 µg/g. It found Arsenic concentrations in sediments varied considerably from station to station. The results of the contamination factor indicated that the sediments were weakly to very strongly contaminate with arsenic. Non-carcinogenic risk index values ranged from 1.83E-04 to 1.78E-02, indicating low adverse effects on the surrounding habitats. In addition, the results of the potential risk (CRt) for human health revealed the existence of significant carcinogenic risks from arsenic for residents in the vicinity of the Tongon mining area.