Journal of Global Ecology and Environment

The Treichville sector of the Ebrié Lagoon is exposed to domestic, industrial, and other anthropogenic inputs associated with surrounding residential and industrial activities. This study assessed the occurrence of trace metals in surface sediments and examined their implications for sediment environmental quality. Sediment samples collected from selected sites in the Treichville sector were subjected to granulometric and chemical analyses. Trace metals were quantified, and the results were interpreted using continental crust reference values, enrichment factors, geoaccumulation indices, and TEC-PEC sediment quality guidelines. Twelve metals were identified, with reported concentrations ranging from 7.20 to 12,094.28 mg/kg. Aluminium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, and zinc showed comparatively high concentrations, while arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead remained low. The enrichment and geoaccumulation results suggest that several elements reflect anthropogenic influence, particularly inputs linked to untreated discharges from domestic, agricultural, and industrial activities near the lagoon. Copper, zinc, and lead showed notable enrichment patterns, whereas arsenic, cadmium, and mercury did not indicate comparable contamination. Comparison with TEC and PEC values showed that most concentrations were below the TEC, although a proportion of copper and zinc concentrations exceeded the PEC. Overall, the findings indicate degraded sediment environmental quality in the Treichville sector and suggest potential concern for benthic organisms and human exposure pathways.