Mineral and Heavy Metal Contents in Soils Downstream of the Ankavia ANTALAHA Watershed

The study of mineral elements contained in soils downstream of the Ankavia watershed remains a relevant research topic related to groundwater consumption in Madagascar, concerning both its quality and quantity. Very few people have benefited from drinking water, which is necessary to assess its potential impact on public health. This study aims to determine and compare the mineral element contents in soils. The analysis was carried out at the Nuclear Physics and Environmental Physics Laboratory of the University of Antananarivo (Madagascar) using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Several categories of mineral elements were identified in the samples: essential nutrients (potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper), as well as potentially undesirable elements such as titanium, vanadium, nickel, lead, and bromine. Concentrations vary significantly depending on the sampling point. This study highlights the presence of trace heavy metals in some soils, highlighting the importance of vigilance on the part of water consumers and regulatory authorities.