Assessment of Trace Metal Contamination in Market Garden Soils of Korhogo City, Ivory Coast

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the level of trace metals (TMEs) contamination in market garden soils in the Korhogo city. The trace metal content of soils from three market gardening sites in Korhogo (Koko, Natio and Téguéré) was determined. Soil sampling was carried out in January 2025 and July 2025. The results of the soil analyses show that Pb levels vary between 5.650 and 6.970 mg/kg, while Cd levels range from 0.21 to 0.245 mg/kg. Cu concentrations ranged from 17.125 to 23.65 mg/kg, while Zn concentrations ranged from 27.255 to 34.85 mg/kg. Cr levels ranged from 1.175 to 1.305 mg/kg. The degree and sources of contamination were determined by calculating metal pollution indices: contamination factor (CF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), overall pollution index (PLI), and ecological risk factor ( ). The Igeo values show that the various soils studied are not contaminated with Pb, Cu, Zn and Cr, while all these sites are moderately contaminated with Cd. The PLI values obtained show that there is no progressive deterioration of the soil due to TMEs. Furthermore, the TMEs studied present a low ecological risk in the soils, while Cd presents a moderate ecological risk.