Assessment of Metal Pollution in Drinking Water in the Localities East of the Ity Mine (Côte d’Ivoire)

HE Linda Isabelle^1, , GBAGBO Tchapé², DAKOUO Semite Jokebed^{1, 2}, KPAIBE Sawa André^{1, 2} and AMIN N’cho Christophe^{1, 2}

¹Département des Sciences Analytiques et Santé Publique, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire

²Laboratoire d’Hygiène, Institut National d’Hygiène Publique, Côte d’Ivoire

Cite this paper:
HE Linda Isabelle, GBAGBO Tchapé, DAKOUO Semite Jokebed, KPAIBE Sawa André and AMIN N’cho Christophe. Assessment of Metal Pollution in Drinking Water in the Localities East of the Ity Mine (Côte d’Ivoire). Journal of Environment Pollution and Human Health. 2026; 14(1):29-33. doi: 10.12691/jephh-14-1-4

Abstract

In Côte d’Ivoire, the Ity mine is a major economic hub, yet it can generate significant environmental impacts. The aim of this study was to assess the compliance of drinking water in the Est-Cavally communities neighboring the Ity mine with WHO standards following a technical incident. Twenty water samples from streams, wells, and hand-pumped boreholes were collected and analyzed using AFNOR methods. Physicochemical parameters generally fell outside standard limits, notably showing excessively acidic pH (4), high turbidity (29.3 NTU), and high organic matter content (12.84 mg/L). Microbiological pollution was significant in the majority of wells (total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Entercoccus faecalis), indicating fecal contamination. Severe metal contamination dominated by lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) was observed in almost all water sources (backwater, hand-operated pump, and wells). None of the analyzed samples met potability criteria. Urgent measures regarding treatment, protection of water sources, and analytical monitoring are essential to safeguard public health

Keywords:
drinking water potabilitymining pollutionheavy metals

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