Trace metal concentrations, fluxes, and potential human health risks in West Africa rivers: a case study on the Bia, Tanoé, and Comoé rivers (Cote d'Ivoire).

Downstream water pollution resulting from anthropogenic pressures on upstream water can cause conflicts, especially in transboundary rivers basins. This study assessed trace metals cadmium, lead, copper, and iron total concentrations, fluxes, and the potential human health risks through ingestion or dermal contact of waters at the mouth of three West African transboundary rivers: the Comoé, Bia, and Tanoé rivers. The results showed highest total concentrations during the months of May and October and statistically comparable concentrations in the rivers.