Seasonal Hydrological Inputs of Major Ions and Trace Metal Composition in Streams Draining the Mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: Basis for Environmental Studies

摘要: The aim of this study is to assess the seasonal variation in major ion distribution patterns and identify origin geochemical behavior some trace metals streamwaters bathing mineralized Lom Basin. Eighty-one water samples were collected during dry wet seasons analyzed for ions using AAS 12 (Fe, Mn, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Hg) by ICP-MS. All physicochemical parameters besides pH Cl– varied narrowly between both seasons. No variability was observed given its conservative nature, while NO3 – levels decreased period due dilution effect. Similarly, SO4 2– concentrations low reflecting dissolution sulphide minerals associated with gold deposits. In contrast, concentration Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+ HCO3 slightly increased season as they are flushed from soil layers rain. Water had very (< 1 µg/l) Pb significant Fe Mn. regime streamwater chemistry controlled groundwater supply cations chemical weathering, leaching surface precipitation nitrate runoff season. tropical basin, acidity metal loadings revealed lateritic weathering sulphides, entrapment Mn oxides into deep groundwater. Although streams have not been impacted, these findings may guide policymakers evaluation Cameroon.