Spatial Variability and Correlation between Trace Metal Elements and Physico-Chemical Parameters of Soils under Gold Panning in Seguela (Northwest of Côte d’Ivoire)

The boom in the mining sector in Côte d’Ivoire, has revealed the expansion of gold panning in several localities, with practices suspecting pollution in Trace Metal Elements (TME) which could have links with environmental parameters, such as soil and water. To elucidate this problem, the study entitled “Spatial variability and correlation between TME and physicochemical parameters of soils under gold panning” was initiated. In this context, it was useful to characterize these soils in situ and to carry out laboratory analyses on soil samples, relating to its physicochemical characteristics, particularly pH value, particle size, carbon, nitrogen and organic matter contents, C/N ratios and TME contents. The observations were made at three sites and on the three main topographic segments of this area, precisely the top of the slope, the mid-slope and the lower slope. Statistical analyses were used to look for correlations. The results reveal slightly acidic soils, with the lowest pH in the lower slope positions. It is also in these positions that the TME contents are the highest, with a decreasing concentration gradient from the surface to the depth. All these elements demonstrate, not only, the correlations between TME, topographical positions and the physicochemical characteristics of soils, but also the risks of contamination of soils, or even water resources, in TME. Hence, there is an urgency for corrective measures aimed at protecting these resources.