Environmental characterization of the bandama river estuary in azagny national park (Ivory Coast, West Africa)

The hydrosystems of the Bandama River estuary are influenced by domestic, agricultural, mining, and fishing activities. The aim of this study is to characterize the physicochemical environment of the waters of the Bandama River estuary located in Azagny National Park. Physicochemical parameters were measured monthly, from March 2019 to February 2020, using multiparameter and miniphotometer measurements. Statistical analysis of the collected physicochemical data indicates both spatial and seasonal variation. The hydrosystems of the Bandama River estuary have an ideal temperature (28.29± 0,081°C) and good oxygenation (6.3± 0,59 mg/L). This hydrosystem, salty (9.53± 4,3 ‰), has high conductivity values (201.94 ± 91,81µS/cm). Magnesium and manganese concentrations are higher upstream in the Bandama River estuary. However, nitrate, nitrite, orthophosphate, total phosphorus, ammonium and ammonia are highly concentrated downstream during the short rainy season and the long dry season.Chemicals used in human activities around Azagny National Park contribute to significantly altering the physicochemical parameters of the Bandama River estuary hydrosystem. These conditions would pose an ecological risk to the survival of certain living beings in this aquatic ecosystem.