Research Article
Toxicity Risks Associated with the Use of Untreated Pig Slurry as Organic Amendment by Farmers in the Commune of Kozah 1 (Togo)
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
140-146
Received:
19 July 2025
Accepted:
25 September 2025
Published:
17 October 2025
Abstract: The increasing use of untreated pig slurry as an organic amendment in Kozah 1 (Togo) raises environmental and public health concerns. A preliminary survey revealed that 80% of farmers apply raw slurry directly to crops, while 20% discharge it into the environment, from where it is often collected by market gardeners. This study assesses the fertilizing potential and toxicity risks associated with such practices. Samples were collected from ten randomly selected pig farms in Lama canton, a zone dominated by small-scale artisanal pig farming. In each pit, stratified sampling targeted the surface, middle, and bottom layers using a sterile bucket mounted on a 1.5-meter pole. Each layer (500 mL) was homogenized into a composite sample per site. Samples were kept at 4°C until physico-chemical and microbiological analyses. The slurry showed a high organic matter content (730 ± 1.1 g/kgDM) and macronutrients (N = 21 ± 0.2, P2O5 = 25 ± 0.2, K2O = 38 ± 0.4 g/kgDM), but a low C/N ratio (5.2), indicating instability. Pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella) and elevated nitrate and phosphate levels were also detected, suggesting health and water pollution risks. The findings underscore the need for pretreatment methods such as co-composting to reduce pathogenic loads and stabilize nutrients for safer agricultural use.
Abstract: The increasing use of untreated pig slurry as an organic amendment in Kozah 1 (Togo) raises environmental and public health concerns. A preliminary survey revealed that 80% of farmers apply raw slurry directly to crops, while 20% discharge it into the environment, from where it is often collected by market gardeners. This study assesses the fertili...
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Research Article
Analysis of Environmental and Health Risks Linked to the Use of Chemical Coating Products in the Commune of Tchaoudjo 1
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
147-154
Received:
22 July 2025
Accepted:
25 September 2025
Published:
17 October 2025
Abstract: This innovative study assesses the environmental and health risks associated with the use of chemical coating products in the commune of Tchaoudjo 1 (Togo), a context marked by informality and the absence of strict regulations. It combines, in an unprecedented way, field surveys of artisans, chemical analyses of commonly used products (paints, varnishes, mastics, thinners) and a comparison with international standards. The results reveal a high use of solvent-based products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals (chromium, lead, mercury). Waste management is alarming: 100% of liquid residues are discharged into the open air and 85% of plastic waste is burned, promoting the dispersion of toxic pollutants. The study highlights previously poorly documented risks, such as the presence of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), a carcinogen, and the domestic storage of hazardous substances. Although measured concentrations generally remain below regulatory thresholds, their accumulation and persistence represent a serious threat. By filling a significant regional knowledge gap, this research provides essential baseline data for public policies, while highlighting the urgent need for regulatory, awareness-raising, and substitution measures.
Abstract: This innovative study assesses the environmental and health risks associated with the use of chemical coating products in the commune of Tchaoudjo 1 (Togo), a context marked by informality and the absence of strict regulations. It combines, in an unprecedented way, field surveys of artisans, chemical analyses of commonly used products (paints, varn...
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Research Article
Physicochemical Characterization and Heavy Metal Analysis of Effluents from the Tannerie Abidjanaise (Bonoua, Côte d’Ivoire)
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
155-166
Received:
5 September 2025
Accepted:
11 October 2025
Published:
31 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.sjc.20251305.13
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Abstract: The tanning industry, although essential for leather production, is one of the most polluting due to the significant discharge of effluents containing toxic chemicals. The objective of this study was to analyze physicochemical parameters and metals of composite samples from effluents of the Tannerie Abidjanaise (Côte d’Ivoire). All parameters of the effluents were measured using standardized methods. Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) and other heavy metals (Copper, Iron, Manganese, Nickel, Plomb, Total chromium, Zinc) have been determined by means of an ion chromatograph and an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP OES), respectively. Environmental Risk Assessment of Tannerie Abidjanaise were done with the heavy metal evaluation index (HEI). The Kruskal-Wallis test was made to bring out the relation between in value of all parameters of the different sampling. The mean concentration of temperature, pH, and SSM were 26.7, 7.04 and 414 mg/L, respectively. The average level of Total nitrogen, COD and BOD5 were 238 mg/L, 720 mg/L, and 249 mg/L, respectively. All of these parameters were higher than that of standard permissible limits. The BOD5 and COD ratio ranged from 0.3 to 0.4 indicated the low biodegradability of the effluents. The tannery effluents have TCr and Cr (VI) value with average concentrations of 122 mg/L and 49 mg/L, respectively. Like iron (average of 7.3 mg/L), TCr and Cr (VI) were higher than the standard permissible limits prescribed by National standards. Copper, lead, manganese, and zinc were determined at very low levels, while arsenic, cadmium, and nickel were below their detection limits. There is no significantly difference between the value of the different sampling for all parameters according to Kruskal-Wallis test. Tannerie Abidjanaise’s effluents present environmental risk to heavy metals provides according to HEI methodology.
Abstract: The tanning industry, although essential for leather production, is one of the most polluting due to the significant discharge of effluents containing toxic chemicals. The objective of this study was to analyze physicochemical parameters and metals of composite samples from effluents of the Tannerie Abidjanaise (Côte d’Ivoire). All parameters of th...
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,
Ogouvidé Akpaki
