Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate Ni, Cr, Zn, Cd, Hg, and Pb distribution and the health risks in surface waters and groundwater around artisanal mining areas in the central-western Cote d'Ivoire. Trace metals spatial distributions were assessed using ArGIS method. Waters pollution status were ascertained through water pollution indices. Human health risk was investigated using non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks indices. In surface waters, the same distribution trends were observed for Ni and Cd, and, for Hg and Pb. While, the distribution patterns of Zn and Cr differed from those of Ni, Cd, Hg, and Pb. Trace metals (Ni, Cr, Cd, Zn, Hg and Pb) concentrations in groundwater were within their guidelines values. While, the averages total of Ni, Cd, Hg, and Pb concentrations for the surface waters exceeded their guidelines values. The pollution status revealed high and low pollution levels of surface waters and groundwater, respectively. Averages of the total non-carcinogenic risk for Hg, Cd, Ni and Pb in surface waters varied between 1.529±1.162 and 80.507±104.615, indicating adverse effects to human health. The averages total carcinogenic risks for Ni, Cd, Pb, and Cr indicated that the population around the artisanal gold mining area could develop cancer. Therefore, it is important to treat waters for removing trace metals before using for domestic purposes.
Highlights
Water is an important element for human survival [1]
The mean values of the Badaman river, the Kossou lake and the groundwater are in the permissible range (6.5 - 8.5) of WHO, while that of pond water was lower than the lower limit (< 6.5) set by WHO
These results indicated that pond waters are problematic for drinking usage, while groundwater could be used for drinking
Summary
Water is an important element for human survival [1]. In many developing countries, mining activities contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction via job creations [2]. The intensification of these mining activities can impact negatively the water ressources and rural population through the release of toxic chemical pollutants [3, 4]. Among these contaminants, heavy metals have attracted global attention due to their toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation [5,6,7]. Environmental studies of mining areas are important
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