Assessment of the Environmental Impacts of Artisanal Gold Mining in West Mayo-Kebbi/Chad: Gamboke and Mbibou Sites

Abstract

In Mayo-Kebbi West Province (Chad), artisanal gold mining contributes to the income of rural populations, particularly in Gamboké and Mbibou, but this activity is known to be a source of environmental degradation. Our objective is to assess the impacts of artisanal gold mining on the environment in Gamboké and Mbibou. To identify and quantify the problems, it is important to conduct a combined analysis of surface and groundwater, and soil. The methodology used involves sampling water and soil, then measuring physical parameters. It also uses methods to determine cation and anion concentrations. The results of major elements in soils are normal with an average pH (6.44) which is lower than the limit set by the WHO (6.5 - 8.5). This acidic pH could promote high solubility and mobility of ETMs in soils. In surface and groundwater, turbidity is very high with an average of 18,664 NTU. It appears that water analyses show average levels of heavy metals such as Cd (0.055 mg/l), CN (0.165 mg/l) and Cu (31.1 mg/l) being very high and higher than the standard set by the WHO (0.025, 0.05 and 2 mg/l) respectively. However, our results confirmed the role of gold panning in the excessive degradation of the environment under the effect of uncontrolled chemicals. However, strong measures to regulate traditional gold panning must be taken to reduce the negative impact of this activity on the environment and on the lives of people in the target areas.