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Spatial variability of trace metals in sediments along the Lom River in the gold mining area of Gankombol (Adamawa Cameroon) using geostatistical modeling methods

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Abstract

Trace metal pollution in surface sediments is of special concern given the potential dangers to human health and aquatic life. In the present study, the spatial variability of trace metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb) in surface sediments along the Lom River in the gold mining area of Gankombol (Adamawa Cameroon) is assessed using geostatistical modeling methods. This investigation use exploratory analysis, variographic analysis (VA), ordinary kriging (OK) and empirical Bayesian kriging (EBK) to assess contamination and spatial variability, and to provide the prediction maps of the distribution of physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity and sediment organic matter) and trace metals. The sediments of the Lom River at Gankombol gold mining area are characterized by acidic to neutral pH (5.73–6.63), weakly conductivities (25–183 µS cm− 1) and relatively low sediment organic matter (0.97–5.10%). The concentrations of Ni and Cu exceed the TEC and PEC of the SQGs indicating that the sediments are polluted by these metals. The spatial variability obtained with semivariogram models is strong for EC, Cr, Mn and Pb; random for Ni, Cu and Zn and moderate for pH and SOM. The spatial variation mapped by OK and EBK reveal that the low concentrations of trace metals are most observed upstream of the mining area. The prediction maps are compared and authenticated with cross-validation which confirmed that the values are reasonable to describe the spatial variability. According to the current study, a geostatistical model can accurately depict the spatial variability of trace metal concentrations in sediments and help decision-makers in developing a better sediment-water management strategy.

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Data availability

The data sets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Eco-materials and Environment Laboratory of the School of Geology and Mining Engineering, University of Ngaoundere, Cameroon, the Framework of Support for the Promotion of Mining Handicrafts “(CAPAM)” laboratory and the promotion of local materials “(MIPROMALO)” laboratory for their support during the analysis works. The authors also wish to thank the anonymous reviewers and the editor for their helpful suggestions and enlightening comments.

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This research did not receive any specific Grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mining Engineering, School of Geology and Mining Engineering, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 115, Meiganga, Cameroon

    Mouhamed Ngounouno Ayiwouo & Luc Leroy Ngueyep Mambou

  2. Laboratory of Material Sciences, Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon

    Luc Leroy Ngueyep Mambou

  3. Department of Mining Geology, School of Geology and Mining Engineering, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 115, Meiganga, Cameroon

    William André Boroh

  4. Department of Mechanical, Petroleum and Gas Engineering, National Advanced School of Mines and Petroleum Industries, University of Maroua, P.O. Box 46, Maroua, Cameroon

    Sifeu Takougang Kingni

  5. Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon

    Ismaila Ngounouno

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Ngounouno Ayiwouo, M., Ngueyep Mambou, L.L., Boroh, W.A. et al. Spatial variability of trace metals in sediments along the Lom River in the gold mining area of Gankombol (Adamawa Cameroon) using geostatistical modeling methods. Model. Earth Syst. Environ. 9, 313–329 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-022-01500-9

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