Floristic surveys of hydrocarbon-polluted sites in some Cameroonian cities (Central Africa).

Soils pollution with hydrocarbons is on the increase, especially in developing countries like Cameroon. Identifying plant species capable of growing on hydrocarbon-polluted soils remains an essential step in phytoremediation, a low cost, solar energy driven clean up technique in which living green plants are used. Here, we report floristic surveys conducted in 4 cities of Cameroon to identify plants with phytoremediation capacities.

Assessment of heavy metals in soils and groundwater in an urban watershed of Yaoundé (Cameroon-West Africa).

The aim of this study was to investigate the heavy metals concentrations in soils and groundwater within the Ntem watershed in Yaoundé, to prevent the risk on the public health. Soils investigated were sampled in five (05) representative profiles at the surface and the bottom of the unsaturated zone of each profile. Soil samples were air-dried and ground to pass through a 2-mm sieve, and different soil extracts were prepared for chemical analysis (organic matter, cation exchange capacity and pH).