Étude de la pollution par les éléments traces métalliques des sédiments de la rivière YOLO à Kinshasa en République Démocratique du Congo

Publication Date : 14/06/2026

DOI: 10.59228/rcst.026.v5.i2.291

Author(s) :

Marcel Mbaya, Emmanuel Kalemba, Odon Kupesa, Isaac Kumpi, Nathan Sungani, Céline Sikulisimwa.

Volume/Issue :

Volume 5

Issue 2

(06 - 2026)

Abstract :

This study assessed the metallic contamination of surface sediments in the YOLO River (Kinshasa, DRC), which receives solid waste including electrical and electronic waste (WEEE). ICP-MS analyses after total acid digestion revealed very high concentrations of Cu (910.33 mg/kg), Pb (570.03 mg/kg), and As (7303 mg/kg), far exceeding international sediment quality guidelines. Geochemical indices (Igeo, EF) and the ecological risk index (RI = 3336.75–11820.62) classified the sediments as highly contaminated and at very high ecological risk. Principal component analysis indicated a common origin for several metals (Pb, Fe, Mg, Co, As), confirming the major impact of anthropogenic inputs from WEEE. These findings highlight the urgent need for structured electronic waste management and strengthened environmental monitoring to protect ecosystems and local communities.