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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
environmental science
Increased bioavailability of mercury in the lagoons of Lomé, Togo: The possible role of dredging
Ambio, Volume 40, No. 1, Year 2011
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Description
Surface sediments of the lagoons of Lomé, Togo, were analyzed for mercury, methylmercury, and trace elements. Concentrations were greater than typical for natural lagoon sediments, and with greater variability within the Eastern lagoon compared to the Western one. The Eastern lagoon is larger and has been dredged in the past, while the Western lagoon, which also receives major waste inputs, has not been dredged and shows less tidal flushing. Accordingly, one naturally believes that the Eastern lagoon is cleaner and probably safe to use due to its natural resources, including fishes to eat. Unexpectedly, we describe here that mercury methylation was greater in the Eastern lagoon, indicating increased bioavailability of mercury, as probably facilitated by past dredging that decreased solidphase retention of inorganic mercury. Urbanization has historically been more developed in the southern part of the lagoons, which is still reflected in contamination levels of sediment despite dredging, probably because sources of contamination are still more important there today. Such urban contamination emphasizes the need to regulate waste discharges and possible airborne contamination in growing cities of developing countries, and implements environmental and public health monitoring, especially in relation to misbelieves systematically associated with the cleansing effect of dredging activity. © Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences 2010.
Authors & Co-Authors
Gnandi, Kissao
Togo, Lome
University of Lome
Han, Seunghee
United States, La Jolla
Marine Biology Research Division
South Korea, Gwangju
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
Boroon, M. H.Rezaie
United States, Los Angeles
California State University, Los Angeles
Porrachia, Magali
United States, La Jolla
Marine Biology Research Division
Deheyn, Dimitri Dominique
United States, La Jolla
Marine Biology Research Division
Statistics
Citations: 21
Authors: 5
Affiliations: 4
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1007/s13280-010-0094-4
ISSN:
00447447
Study Locations
Togo