Evaluation of Agricultural Contamination Level by Heavy Metals and Pesticides in Sediments of Rivers and Water Bodies for Shrimp Fishing in the Lower Ouémé: Case of the Aguigadji, Ahlan and Sele Stations in Benin

This study assessed sediment contamination by heavy metals and pesticide active ingredients linked to chemical inputs used in agricultural activities in the lower Ouémé. Pesticide residues from the organochlorine, pyrethroid and organophosphorus families were investigated by gas chromatography, and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mg, Cr and Hg) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The metallic pollution indices, the contamination factor (CF) and the ecological risk index were calculated. The results revealed 8 active ingredients in the rainy season and 9 in the dry season. Glyphosate was the active ingredient with the highest concentration at all stations, 9.65 ± 0.84 mg/kg recorded in the dry season at the Aguigadji station. All glyphosate values were above the EQS. DDT, Atrazine and Endosulfan also showed high concentrations in the dry and rainy seasons. Emamectin, Abamectin and Lambda Cyhalothrin also showed high concentrations in the dry season at Aguigadji, Ahlan and Sele. Only glyphosate was recorded at the control station (Toho), but in very low concentrations. Lead showed the highest concentrations at all the stations, 265.96 ± 21.02 mg/Kg in the rainy season and 255.38 ± 79.09 mg/Kg in the dry season, all detected at the Aguigadji station and above the EQS. Zn, Ni, Fe, Cu and Cr were all representative in both the dry and rainy seasons at the contaminated stations. Manganese showed high concentrations in the rainy season. Pb showed very high contamination (FC ≥ 6) at the Aguigadji and Ahlan stations and significant contamination (3 ≤ FC 6) at the Sele station in both the rainy and dry seasons. Ni, Hg and Cd, showed either moderate or significant contamination at the contaminated stations. The risk values showed a considerable ecological Ri (190 ≤ Ri < 380) in the rainy season and a moderate ecological Ri (95 ≤ Ri < 190) in the dry season at these contaminated stations.

Impact of Dewatering on the Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities in the Okpara River, Benin

Surface watercourses are areas of very high ecological and heritage value. Macroinvertebrates are bioindicators of the health of aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of dewatering and re-watering cycles on benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) communities. Two data collections were carried out at two stations (Okpara 1 and Okpara 2) on the Okpara river before and after dewatering. Thus, 8 samples of benthic macroinvertebrates and 12 physico-chemical parameters (T°C, pH, Transparency, Depth, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen that were measured in situ, and BOD5, COD, NH4+, NO3-, NO2- and PO43-) were assayed in the laboratory. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to match physico-chemical data to MIB families. Shannon and Piélou diversity indices were used to determine the effects of dewatering on MIBs. The increase in temperature values of pH, BOD5, COD, NH4+, NO3-, NO2- and PO43-, after re-watering indicates the effect of dewatering on the quality of Okpara aquatic ecosystems. The benthic macrofauna collected consisted of 62.42% insects, 0.65% crustaceans, 6.48% molluscs, 0.72% worms and 0.14% arachnids. Whereas after re-watering, 21.67% insects, 0% crustaceans, 0.22% molluscs, 7.56% worms and 0.29% arachnids were recorded. Insects, crustaceans and molluscs were more abundant before dewatering than after. This was revealed by low abundances and taxonomic richness, as well as low Shannon index values of samples collected after re-watering.

Agricultural Contamination of the Surface Waters of the Upper Ouémé in Benin: The Case of Heavy Metals and Pesticides

Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess the degree of contamination of surface waters by heavy metals and pesticides. Method: To this end, data were collected in December 2022 from four specific sampling stations: Okpara, Térou, Affon and Adjiro. Levels of heavy metals, including cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, nickel and lead, were measured and subjected to in-depth statistical analysis using graphical summation models. In addition, the concentrations of pesticide active ingredients present in the samples were interpreted and evaluated. The statistical data collected during this study were processed using R software, version 3.5.0. Results: The values obtained at the different stations Okpara, Térou, Affon and Adjiro are respectively Arsenic (2 × 10-4 mg/L;2.2 × 10-1 mg/L;1.2 × 10-4 mg/L;2 × 10-4 mg/L), Cadmium (4.4 × 10-5 mg/L;1.1 × 10-2 mg/L;10-4 mg/L;4 × 10-4 mg/L). Then Copper (7 × 10-4 mg/L;3 × 10-3 mg/L;7 × 10-4 mg/L;1 × 10-4 mg/L), Iron (1.51 mg/L;6.4 × 10-1 mg/L;2.0012 mg/L;2.9 × 10-1 mg/L), Lead (0 mg/L;0 mg/L;1.5 × 10-3 mg/L;1.5 × 10-3 mg/L). Mercury, nickel and chromium were not detected in surface waters. It is important to note that the values obtained for trace metals (Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Mercury, nickel and chromium were not detected in surface waters. It is important to note that the values obtained for trace metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, nickel and lead) were all below the guideline standards set by the WHO in 2006 for uncontaminated surface waters. This indicates that the surface waters of the Upper Ouémé were below acceptable contamination thresholds in terms of heavy metals. However, the presence of pesticide active ingredients such as cyfluthrin, endosulfan-alpha, endosulfan-beta, profenosfos, tihan, atrazine, gala super and glycel clearly indicates that these surface waters are subject to agricultural contamination.

Abundance and Distribution of Macroinvertebrates of the Affon River in Bénin

This study focuses on the biodiversity of macroinvertebrates of the Affon River. To reach this goal, eight stations were sampled and physical parameters such as temperature, pH, conductivity, transparency, depth, total dissolved solids (TDS) and dissolved oxygen were measured. Chemical parameters such as ammonium nitrite and phosphate were measured in the laboratory. We identified 9755 macroinvertebrates belonging to 4 classes, 14 orders, and 49 families. Chironomidae were the most abundant family whereas other sensitive insect’s orders such as Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, and Plecoptera were rarely found, suggesting a poor water quality of the Affon River. The principal components analysis yielded three groups of stations: the first group (Tenéka 2 and 3) characterized by high values of ammonium and phosphate and low values of conductivity and TDS;the second group (Tanéka 1 and Kolokondé 1) with low values of pH, transparency, ammonium and phosphate;and the third group of stations (Kolokondé 2, Kpébouko1, Kpébouko 2, and Affon) marked by high values of conductivity, TDS, transparency, depth and temperature. This study is a crucial step for any management and monitoring of the Affon River.

Relationship between Macroinvertebrates and Physico-Chemical Parameters to Access Water Quality of the Affon River in Bénin

The Affon River is one of the important rivers of the Ouémé River whose benthic diversity remained unknown. The present study aims to make the relationship between macroinvertebrates and physico-chemical parameters to access water quality of the Affon River. The measurement of physico-chemical parameters (temperature, pH, conductivity, transparency, depth and TDS, dissolved oxygen, ammonium, nitrite and phosphate) and the sampling of macroinvertebrates using a Surber net were carried out during floods in eight stations. A principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) were used. The indices of Shannon, Piélou, Simpson, Hilsenhoff, EPT and EPT/Chironomidae were used to assess the level of water pollution. The study identified 9755 macroinvertebrates divided into 4 classes, 14 orders and 49 families. Pollution-sensitive families (14 families) that are organic pollution indicators, as well as pollution-tolerant families (Chironomidae, Limnaeidae, Bithynidae, Physidae) were captured. Chironomidae were the most predominant and abundant family (FO = 100%). The predominance of Chironomidae coupled with the rarity of the Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera and Plecoptera would reflect the poor quality of the Affon River waters. The principal components analysis yielded groups of associations: The first group of stations Taneka 2 and 3 characterized by high values of ammonium and phosphate;and low values of conductivity and TDS;the second group of Tanéka 1 and Kolokondé 1 stations with low values of pH, transparency, ammonium and phosphates;and the third group of stations Kolokondé 2, Kpébouko1, Kpébouko 2 and Affon marked by high values of conductivity, TDS, transparency, depth and temperature. The canonical correspondence analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between Nemouridae and ammonium as well as between Perlidae, Taeniopterygidae, Ephemeridae, Heptageniidae, Isonychiidae, Elmidae and phosphate. This study is a crucial step for any management and monitoring of this river.

Bioavailability of Agricultural Pesticides on the Land Snails in the Commune of Kerou in the North of Benin

The present study was conducted in the commune of Kérou in North Benin to measure the bioavailability of agricultural pesticides heavily used in the production of cotton on snails. The test was conducted in peasant environment in two villages of the commune. In each site, there are three cages containing 6 snails each. The snails are exposed to soil and plants without special protection and are therefore exposed to environmental conditions. Firstly it’s to evaluate the presence or absence of agricultural pesticides in the viscera of snails after exposure. Secondly it consists to compare the different doses found in the viscera of snails in the different sites. And finally it’s to evaluate the effect of the toxicity of the pesticides on the reproduction of snails. The tests consisted of placing steel cages in the two experimental sites. In each site, there are three cages containing 6 snails each. Snails are exposed to soil and plants without special protection and are therefore exposed to environmental conditions. The observations were made in order to establish a study of transfer kinetics. After the analysis of the data, it appears generally that the accumulation of mineral elements highlighted is not proportional to the mineralogical composition of the soil in which the snail is exposed. Total nitrogen and nitrate were significantly accumulated in the flesh of site 2 snails compared to site 1 snails. These different measures show the bioavailability of soil minerals for living organisms. Accumulations are not necessarily accompanied by toxic effects in terms of survival for snails after 28 days of exposure. However, the absence of immediate toxic effect on snails does not imply a lack of effect in food chains due to the trophic availability of contaminants. The use of snails as bio-indicator of soil quality has therefore proved relevant in the context of soils polluted by minerals.