SPATIO-TEMPORAL DYNAMICS OF ARSENIC CONTAMINATION OF SEDIMENTS IN IVORIAN COASTAL LAGOONS: THE CASE OF THE ABY LAGOON SYSTEM (ABYNORTH, TENDO)

Arsenic present in various components of lagoon ecosystems. This study aims at characterizing its distribution and identifying the factors influencing its mobility and bioavailability. Sediment samples were collected, prepared, and analyzed according to standardized protocols. Arsenic concentrations, measured by ICP-MS, were subjected to statistical analyses (ANOVA, t-test, correlation, etc.). The results revealed significant variability in arsenic concentrations in the sediments of the studied lagoons, with averages ranging from 9.13 mg/g in Tanoe lagoon to 27.16 mg/g in the bays of Tendo lagoon. They also showed seasonal and spatial variations in arsenic contamination, linked to the hydrological, geological and anthropogenic conditions of each site. Significant correlations were found between arsenic concentrations and environmental parameters such as salinity, transparency, conductivity and pH. These results contribute to a better understanding of the processes governing arsenic dynamics in coastal lagoons and underline the importance of considering seasonal variations and environmental conditions in sediment contamination studies.