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<p>Hazardous metals (HMs) are among the most concerning environmental pollutants due to their toxicity, non-biodegradability, bioaccumulation in the food chain and persistence in the environment. This study investigates the geospatial distribution, contamination levels, ecotoxicity, and human health risks of HMs in surface sediments of Kouambo-Bipindi, Cameroon. Twenty-one surface-sediment samples (15–25&#xa0;cm) were digested and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS); contamination and risk were evaluated using pollution and health-risk indices. The mean concentrations of Fe (17.52&#xa0;mg/kg), Pb (188&#xa0;mg/kg), and U (39.60&#xa0;mg/kg) surpassed geochemical threshold values. Cr and Pb levels exceeded sediment quality guidelines, indicating hazardous stress responses to benthic organisms. Pollution indicators (CF: 0.11–14.59; Cdeg: 10.35–71.54; mCdeg: 0.79–5.50; Igeo: 8.73–16.88; EF: 0.09–21.55) suggest low to considerable sediment contamination. Ecological risk assessment (Er: 0.34–72.99; RI: 22.81-212.25) and toxicity indices (TRI: 2.376–12.245; TUs: 1.23–6.23) indicate low to moderate potential ecological and toxicity risk impacts. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessments were within the regulatory threshold values (1 × 10<sup>− 4</sup> and 1 × 10<sup>− 6</sup>) but still warrant monitoring and management. According to the Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC), principal component analysis (PCA), and dual hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), Cd, Co, Ni, V, Cr, Cu, and Fe were primarily derived from geological processes. U, As, Pb, Mn, and Zn originated from geogenic and anthropogenic sources (mining operations, household and industrial effluents, agriculture, and urban runoff). The integration of geostatistical analysis, health risk, and multi-index approaches offers a thorough framework for managing and evaluating aquatic ecosystems. This study highlights the need to strengthen environmental monitoring, adopt integrated watershed management approaches, and implement appropriate remediation strategies to mitigate ecological and human health risks. By informing sediments monitoring and risk mitigation in data-scarce, rapidly urbanizing regions, this study contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals six and eleven, emphasizing clean aquatic ecosystem and sustainable urban environments.</p>

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Hazardous Metal Contamination and Human–Ecological Risks in Kouambo-Bipindi Surface Sediments (Cameroon)

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月12日

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  • Kouankap Nono Gus Djibril,
  • Ngambu Aloysius Afahnwie,
  • Lemnyuy Prosper Yiika,
  • Ayoub Simou,
  • Ngong Georges Yuh,
  • Bertrand Kehding Fomekong

摘要

Hazardous metals (HMs) are among the most concerning environmental pollutants due to their toxicity, non-biodegradability, bioaccumulation in the food chain and persistence in the environment. This study investigates the geospatial distribution, contamination levels, ecotoxicity, and human health risks of HMs in surface sediments of Kouambo-Bipindi, Cameroon. Twenty-one surface-sediment samples (15–25 cm) were digested and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS); contamination and risk were evaluated using pollution and health-risk indices. The mean concentrations of Fe (17.52 mg/kg), Pb (188 mg/kg), and U (39.60 mg/kg) surpassed geochemical threshold values. Cr and Pb levels exceeded sediment quality guidelines, indicating hazardous stress responses to benthic organisms. Pollution indicators (CF: 0.11–14.59; Cdeg: 10.35–71.54; mCdeg: 0.79–5.50; Igeo: 8.73–16.88; EF: 0.09–21.55) suggest low to considerable sediment contamination. Ecological risk assessment (Er: 0.34–72.99; RI: 22.81-212.25) and toxicity indices (TRI: 2.376–12.245; TUs: 1.23–6.23) indicate low to moderate potential ecological and toxicity risk impacts. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessments were within the regulatory threshold values (1 × 10− 4 and 1 × 10− 6) but still warrant monitoring and management. According to the Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC), principal component analysis (PCA), and dual hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), Cd, Co, Ni, V, Cr, Cu, and Fe were primarily derived from geological processes. U, As, Pb, Mn, and Zn originated from geogenic and anthropogenic sources (mining operations, household and industrial effluents, agriculture, and urban runoff). The integration of geostatistical analysis, health risk, and multi-index approaches offers a thorough framework for managing and evaluating aquatic ecosystems. This study highlights the need to strengthen environmental monitoring, adopt integrated watershed management approaches, and implement appropriate remediation strategies to mitigate ecological and human health risks. By informing sediments monitoring and risk mitigation in data-scarce, rapidly urbanizing regions, this study contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals six and eleven, emphasizing clean aquatic ecosystem and sustainable urban environments.