ASSESSMENT OF THE DEGREE OF POLLUTION OF HEAVY METALS FROM INTERSTITIAL WATERS AND SURFACE WATER SEDIMENTS: EXAMPLE OF THE UBANGUI RIVER IN BANGUI.

*E. Foto, N. Poumayé, O. Allahdin, B.S. Gonidanga, O. Biteman Mobili and J. Mabingui

ABSTRACT

This study consists of assessing the degree of waters pollution of the UBANGUI River by the heavy metals (trace elements) contained in the sediments taken from different sites. The first results present a global approach to sediment composition as well as the interstitial waters of the UBANGUI River in Bangui, to clarify its nature. Two sampling strategies were followed: 1) seasonal monitoring of the suspended particle concentration in water; 2) the use of DET (Diffusive Equilibrium in Thin Film) technique to characterize the sediments sampled. This approach was used to determine trace element concentrations in order to predict possible remobilization of these elements in the river water used for human consumption.

Keywords: Sediments, trace metal, DET, UBANGUI, Pollution.