Physicochemical characterization of soils in receiving environments polluted by effluents from agrifood industries in Cameroon

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize soil samples collected in different receiving environments. The impact of effluent discharges from agrifood industries was assessed by analysing seven physicochemical parameters in ten receiving environments at a depth of 100 cm randomly upstream and downstream of the discharge area depending on the seasons. Data processing and analysis were carried out using Excel and XLSAT software. The results in the rainy season upstream showed lead concentrations between 11.05 mg/kg and 18.81 mg/kg. Downstream, these are between 2.35 mg/kg and 11.98 mg/kg. In the dry season upstream, lead values are between 15.75 mg/kg and 22.47 mg/kg. Downstream, these are between 12.49 mg/kg and 19.81 mg/kg. Cadmium concentrations in upstream and downstream seasons ranged from 1.62 mg/kg to 9.98 mg/kg. Only cadmium had values above the WHO recommended limits (Cd < 2 mg/kg; Pb < 100 mg/kg). Soil samples from FERME H&F, the Yaounde slaughterhouse and Douala showed good mineralization for a C/N ratio between 4 and 12 downstream during the rainy season. A high C/N ratio (>15) reflecting the richness in organic matter in the soils of the receiving environments was observed upstream during the rainy season in soil samples from Nodiscam, FERMENCAM, SOSUCAM Mbandjock and Nkoteng.

Keywords: effluents, agrifood industries, pollution, receiving environments.

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/15-3-07

Publication date: July 30th 2025