The Minamata Convention in the aim to protect human life and the environment, seeks to reduce mercury (Hg) by monitoring it concentrations in the environment. Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) has been iden...The Minamata Convention in the aim to protect human life and the environment, seeks to reduce mercury (Hg) by monitoring it concentrations in the environment. Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) has been identified as the most important anthropogenic source of human exposure to Hg. In this context, the main goal of this study was to assess the level of mercury in hair of two (2) populations living along two lagoons respectively Aby and Tendo, in Ivory Coast. To reach this goal, hair samples of 138 residents were collected and analyzed by using Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrophotometry (CV-AFS) technique for mercury concentration. Results showed that for the entire population the Hg mean was 2.34 μg/g. Also, they were ranged between 0.15 to 8.53 μg/g and presented substantial differences amongst the villages. In Aby village, we observed the highest Hg concentrations (Mean = 2.62 μg/g). Our findings showed that almost the entire sample group (82%) exceed the USEPA recommended limit, furthermore 56% of them exceed the normal level of WHO and 2% of the respondent has the unhealthy levels of mercury (≥6 μg Hg/g) of hair by WHO standards. Gender differences in hair mercury varies greatly among reports. Lower levels in women’s hair compared to men were reported in the both village. 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 [18-29] years old is from Aby village in opposite at Frambo village, the same case those who were ≥ 40 years old. It’s convenient to note that, the proportion of Mercury levels would not to be neglected among studied population especially with the resident from Aby village. So, some measures need to be taken at the political level to control mercury contamination.展开更多
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 Tend...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<sup>-1</sup> and 0.70 ± 0.18 mg⋅kg<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. Hg concentrations evaluated in the bays of Tendo and Aby during the dry season were 1.38 ± 0.45 mg⋅kg<sup>-1</sup> and 1.07 ± 0.31 mg⋅kg<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. The minimum and maximum total Hg concentrations in the sediments from 25 stations were 0.04 and 3.56 mg⋅kg<sup>-1</sup>, 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.展开更多
Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality continues to benefit from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining(ASGM)but faces severe mercury(Hg)contamination risks.This study integrates geospatial analysis with ecotoxicological and human...Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality continues to benefit from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining(ASGM)but faces severe mercury(Hg)contamination risks.This study integrates geospatial analysis with ecotoxicological and human health risk assessment to unravel Hg distribution patterns and exposure pathways.Fifteen topsoil samples(A-O),were collected and analysed from the study sites.The analyses of the fifteen samples revealed extreme Hg pollution(mean 8,951μg/kg),exceeding WHO limits(300μg/kg)at all sites,with a distinct NW-SW contamination corridor near ASGM operational zones.Crucially,acidic soils(pH 4.68-6.54)in these hotspots amplified Hg mobility and bioavailability.For ecotoxicological risks,geo-accumulation indices(Igeo:0.02-5.98)classified 14 sites as extremely polluted,and Ecological Risk Indices(ERI:61-3,796)indicated very high risk at 14 sites,where site M near UMaT campus showed moderate risk(ERI=61)and uncontaminated(Igeo:0.02),aligning with the absence of ASGM activities.For health risks,children exhibited significant non-carcinogenic effects(Hazard Index,HI=0.11-4.99)at 9 hotspots—predominantly via soil ingestion(>75% of total risk).Adults showed lower risks(HI≤0.80)but faced inhalation exposure at processing sites(e.g.,Site H).Acidic conditions(pH<6.5)enhanced Hg2+solubility and methylmercury formation potential by 60%-80%,creating unquantified dietary threats.Spatial interpolation confirmed pH-Hg synergy maximized risks in the central mining belt.Based on outcomes,precision remediation of liming acidic hotspots(pH<6.0),capping extreme-pollution sites(e.g.,H,I,A),and restricting agriculture in the NW-SW corridor is recommended.This approach shifts Hg management from broad policies to source-targeted interventions,addressing Tarkwa’s biogeochemical crisis.展开更多
文摘The Minamata Convention in the aim to protect human life and the environment, seeks to reduce mercury (Hg) by monitoring it concentrations in the environment. Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) has been identified as the most important anthropogenic source of human exposure to Hg. In this context, the main goal of this study was to assess the level of mercury in hair of two (2) populations living along two lagoons respectively Aby and Tendo, in Ivory Coast. To reach this goal, hair samples of 138 residents were collected and analyzed by using Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrophotometry (CV-AFS) technique for mercury concentration. Results showed that for the entire population the Hg mean was 2.34 μg/g. Also, they were ranged between 0.15 to 8.53 μg/g and presented substantial differences amongst the villages. In Aby village, we observed the highest Hg concentrations (Mean = 2.62 μg/g). Our findings showed that almost the entire sample group (82%) exceed the USEPA recommended limit, furthermore 56% of them exceed the normal level of WHO and 2% of the respondent has the unhealthy levels of mercury (≥6 μg Hg/g) of hair by WHO standards. Gender differences in hair mercury varies greatly among reports. Lower levels in women’s hair compared to men were reported in the both village. 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 [18-29] years old is from Aby village in opposite at Frambo village, the same case those who were ≥ 40 years old. It’s convenient to note that, the proportion of Mercury levels would not to be neglected among studied population especially with the resident from Aby village. So, some measures need to be taken at the political level to control mercury contamination.
文摘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<sup>-1</sup> and 0.70 ± 0.18 mg⋅kg<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. Hg concentrations evaluated in the bays of Tendo and Aby during the dry season were 1.38 ± 0.45 mg⋅kg<sup>-1</sup> and 1.07 ± 0.31 mg⋅kg<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. The minimum and maximum total Hg concentrations in the sediments from 25 stations were 0.04 and 3.56 mg⋅kg<sup>-1</sup>, 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.
文摘Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality continues to benefit from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining(ASGM)but faces severe mercury(Hg)contamination risks.This study integrates geospatial analysis with ecotoxicological and human health risk assessment to unravel Hg distribution patterns and exposure pathways.Fifteen topsoil samples(A-O),were collected and analysed from the study sites.The analyses of the fifteen samples revealed extreme Hg pollution(mean 8,951μg/kg),exceeding WHO limits(300μg/kg)at all sites,with a distinct NW-SW contamination corridor near ASGM operational zones.Crucially,acidic soils(pH 4.68-6.54)in these hotspots amplified Hg mobility and bioavailability.For ecotoxicological risks,geo-accumulation indices(Igeo:0.02-5.98)classified 14 sites as extremely polluted,and Ecological Risk Indices(ERI:61-3,796)indicated very high risk at 14 sites,where site M near UMaT campus showed moderate risk(ERI=61)and uncontaminated(Igeo:0.02),aligning with the absence of ASGM activities.For health risks,children exhibited significant non-carcinogenic effects(Hazard Index,HI=0.11-4.99)at 9 hotspots—predominantly via soil ingestion(>75% of total risk).Adults showed lower risks(HI≤0.80)but faced inhalation exposure at processing sites(e.g.,Site H).Acidic conditions(pH<6.5)enhanced Hg2+solubility and methylmercury formation potential by 60%-80%,creating unquantified dietary threats.Spatial interpolation confirmed pH-Hg synergy maximized risks in the central mining belt.Based on outcomes,precision remediation of liming acidic hotspots(pH<6.0),capping extreme-pollution sites(e.g.,H,I,A),and restricting agriculture in the NW-SW corridor is recommended.This approach shifts Hg management from broad policies to source-targeted interventions,addressing Tarkwa’s biogeochemical crisis.
