Biocontamination in Metal Traces (Pb, Cd) of Waters, Sediments and Fish from Urban and Periurban Marine Perimeters in the Community of Lokossa in Benin

In Benin, market gardening has become a new profession and plays an important role in the supply of fresh vegetables. In the coastal regions, fish farming is practiced on the outskirts of market gardening sites. However, poorly regulated cultivation practices and increasing pollution do not necessarily guarantee the sanitary quality of the products delivered. This study aims to evaluate the physico-chemical qualities of the water used for watering and, secondly, the lead and cadmium contamination of the water used for watering, the soil (sediment) and the fish products (fish) on the urban market gardening perimeter in the commune of Lokossa in Benin. These various samples taken for this purpose were analysed at the Ministry of Health’s Water and Food Quality Control Laboratory. We noted pollution of organic elements through the physico-chemical parameters measured such as temperature, NTK, COD, BOD and total phosphorus and confirmed by average lead and cadmium levels of 0.42 mg/L in water, 0.52 mg/L in sediment and 0.31 mg/L to 0.76 mg/L in fish tissue (Carp and Catfish) for lead and 0.07 mg/L in water, 0.1 mg/L in sediment and 0.5 mg/L in fish for cadmium. These rates are well above the normal values accepted by the GESAMP, PNEC INERIS and FAO standards. The consequences of this contamination are health risks for consumers.