Assessment of Metallic Contamination in Soils and Sediments in the Bétaré-Oya Gold Artisanal Mine District, East-Cameroon

Mining is an activity that involves the use of chemicals and results in unsustainable dangerous conditions for miners, their families, community surrounding ecosystem. This study was done to assess metallic contamination soils sediments Bétaré-Oya gold artisanal mine district, East-Cameroon. A total thirty (30) samples exploited soils, control were taken from mining sites Lom, Mbal Mali. The concentrations heavy metals metalloids (Fe, Sr, Cu, As, Pb Zn) determined by Inductive Plasma Ionisation Source Atomic Emission Spectrometry. show such as: As (1.82), Cu (24.22), (18.04) Zn (65.69) have average slightly higher than UCC Average Shale reference values. In soil (1.93), (16.86) (96.22) values.While cotrol only (1.62) (59.72) shows concentration above different then used calculate intensity sediments. this calculation indicate Enrichment Factor (EF) extremely high enrichment these elements. geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) (22.85-25), Contamination (CF) (1.47), low values ecological risk indices suggest a potential Pollution load index (PLI) (0.67) indicates extreme with elements However, slight (class 1) Gold panning activities untreated tailings discharges would be considered as main sources sediment pollution Bétaré-Oya.