ABDOURAHIMI^1,2,3*, SAÏDOU^2,3, Wilson Y. FANTONG⁴, Festus T. AKA⁵, & Moïse G. KWATO NJOCK^1
1Centre for Atomic Molecular Physics and Quantum Optics, University of Douala, P.O. Box 8580 Douala, Cameroon.
e-mail: mkwato@yahoo.co
²Nuclear Technology Section, Institute of Geological and Mining Research, P.O. Box 4110 Yaounde, Cameroon.
e-mail: saidous2002@yahoo.fr
³ Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon.
⁴Hydrology Research Center, Institute of Geological and Mining Research, P.O. Box 4110 Yaounde, Cameroon
e-mail: fyetoh@yahoo.com
⁵ Institute of Geological and Mining Research, P.O. Box 4110 Yaounde, Cameroon.
e-mail: akatongwa@yahoo.com
*Corresponding author: Abdourahimi, Centre for Atomic Molecular Physics and Quantum Optics (CEPAMOQ), University of Douala, P.O. Box 8580 Douala, Cameroon. e-mail: abdourahimi@yahoo.fr / abdourahimi14@gmail.com

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION BY METALS IN THE OIL BEARING BAKASSI PENINSULA, CAMEROON

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The weight fractions of the nutrients and toxic elements have been determined in environmental and foodstuff samples in the oil bearing Bakassi Peninsula. This study is highly justified by the occurrence of many offshore production platforms in the peninsula that could lead to the environmental pollution. The use of a Quant´X EDXRF spectrometer and the Fundamental Parameter approach for quantification of the results enabled us to increase sensitivity and accuracy in the analysis of soil and foodstuffs. The results obtained for soil samples exhibit a predominance of iron and the presence of lead. Mercury and cadmium are below the detection limit. The analysis of foodstuffs shows a high content of potassium and calcium. Concerning water, the analysis also shows a high content of iron (Fe) (2.18±0.04) mg/L in tap water, 10 times above the accepted limit value. Concentrations of lead (2.58±0.01) mg/L in tap water and (0.30±0.01) mg/L in rain water have been determined. No cadmium has been detected in tap water but its presence (0.80±0.01) mg/L in rain water is probably due to the atmospheric deposition.