Assessment of the contamination of surface water and fish from Cote d'Ivoire

Water and fish samples were collected from selected rivers and lagoons from Cote d'Ivoire. Water samples were analyzed for their chemical characteristics and for the levels of heavy metals and organochlorine pesticides. Fish samples were analyzed for the presence of organochlorine pesticides. The values for pH and total hardness found indicate that these waters are suitable for drinking. The COD is higher in the south and urban areas indicating an enrichment in organic matter due to agricultural and industrial activities. Only two metals, zinc and copper were detected at very low levels (ranges of values). The levels of organochlorine pesticides detected in water and fish samples were below the extraneous residue limits (ERL) and the acceptable daily intake (ADI) set by the FAO/WHO coder alimentarius commission. The levels found are higher in the south and around urban areas. These finding indicate that agriculture and industrial activities are the most important source of surface water contamination by xenobiotics.