Author(s)

Stéphane Jean Claon^1,2*, Kouakou Serge Kouassi³, Kossonou Roland N’Guettia⁴, M’bassidjé Arsène Seka^2,4, Guei Jokebed Dakouo¹, Allico Joseph Djaman^3,5, Kouakou Luc Kouadio¹

¹Analytical Sciences and Public Health Department, University of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
²Water Quality Control and Analysis Laboratory (LACQUE), Office National de l’Eau Potable (ONEP), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
³Biology and Health Laboratory, University of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
⁴Laboratory of Environmental Sciences (LSE), University of Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
⁵Department of Medical and Fundamental Biochemistry, Institut Pasteur of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Selenium is a trace element that can have both beneficial and harmful effects on aquatic life. The Aby Lagoon is a coastal environment in Côte d’Ivoire that receives selenium inputs from various natural and anthropogenic sources. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of selenium in the sediments of the Aby Lagoon and its tributaries, the Tanoe River and the Tendo Lagoon, and to examine the spatial and seasonal variations of selenium concentrations. Sediment samples were collected from different sites and seasons, and selenium concentrations were measured by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The results showed that the average concentration of selenium in the sediments of the Aby Lagoon was 0.82 mg/kg, indicating moderate contamination. The concentration of selenium varied between sites and seasons, with higher values in the channel of the Tendo Lagoon and during the dry season. The study highlighted the complexity of selenium dynamics in aquatic ecosystems, and the need to take into account seasonal and spatial variability as well as interactions between environmental factors. The study also suggested potential ecotoxicological risks for some sensitive organisms in certain areas of the lagoon. This study contributes to the knowledge of the dynamics of selenium in lagoon ecosystems and to the assessment of the environmental risks associated with its presence.

Tropical Estuarine, Selenium, Sediments, Aby Lagoon, Seasonal Distribution

Claon, S. , Kouassi, K. , N’Guettia, K. , Seka, M. , Dakouo, G. , Djaman, A. and Kouadio, K. (2024) Assessment of Selenium Contamination in Sediments of the Aby and Tendo Lagoons in Côte d’Ivoire. International Journal of Geosciences, 15, 334-349. doi: 10.4236/ijg.2024.154018.