Journal of Applied Chemical Science International

Trace metals trapped in sediments can, under certain environmental conditions, be released into the water column, potentially leading to aquatic pollution and posing an environmental risk. This study, conducted from May 2019 to June 2020, aimed to assess the impact of environmental conditions on some trace metals bound to the surface sediments of the Fresco lagoon. To this end, the physicochemical parameters of the sediments were determined using a multiparameter analyzer, and the metal concentrations were measured using an ICP-OES spectrometer. Particle size distribution was determined by sieving. Over the study period, the results obtained revealed that the sediments in Zone I have a texture consisting mainly of very coarse sands (92.04 ± 49.69%), while in Zone II, coarse sands are abundant (83.35 ± 6.91%). The analysis of physicochemical parameters showed that the sediments in Zone I are acidic (pH < 6) with a conductivity (19.32 ± 2.66 mS/cm), salinity (38.26 ± 5.85), redox potential (94.72 ± 54.07 mV), water content (179.02 ± 24.82%), and organic matter content (25.05 ± 2.15%) that are higher than those recorded in Zone II. In general, in the sediments of both zones, especially in Zone I, iron (68340±4640.37 mg/kg), manganese (200.20±53.57 mg/kg), and zinc (235.80±8.84 mg/kg) are predominant during the rainy season. This could indicate sediment pollution from domestic wastewater and the input of organic matter from coastal rivers. A sediment quality assessment could help determine the level of contamination in this lagoon ecosystem.