Study of the pollution by trace metal elements of the sediments of the YOLO River in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59228/rcst.026.v5.i2.291Keywords:
trace metals, sediments, pollution, YOLO River, KinshasaAbstract
This study assessed the metallic contamination of surface sediments in the YOLO River (Kinshasa, DRC), which receives solid waste including electrical and electronic waste (WEEE). ICP-MS analyses after total acid digestion revealed very high concentrations of Cu (910.33 mg/kg), Pb (570.03 mg/kg), and As (7303 mg/kg), far exceeding international sediment quality guidelines. Geochemical indices (Igeo, EF) and the ecological risk index (RI = 3336.75–11820.62) classified the sediments as highly contaminated and at very high ecological risk. Principal component analysis indicated a common origin for several metals (Pb, Fe, Mg, Co, As), confirming the major impact of anthropogenic inputs from WEEE. These findings highlight the urgent need for structured electronic waste management and strengthened environmental monitoring to protect ecosystems and local communities.
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