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Environmental Cyanide Pollution from Artisanal Gold Mining in Burkina Faso: Human Exposure Risk Analysis Based on a Conceptual Site Model

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  • Edmond N’Bagassi Kohio

    (Laboratoire Eaux, Hydro-Systèmes et Agriculture (LEHSA), Institut International d’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), Ouagadougou 01 BP 594, Burkina Faso)

  • Seyram Kossi Sossou

    (Laboratoire Eaux, Hydro-Systèmes et Agriculture (LEHSA), Institut International d’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), Ouagadougou 01 BP 594, Burkina Faso)

  • Hela Karoui

    (Laboratoire Eaux, Hydro-Systèmes et Agriculture (LEHSA), Institut International d’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), Ouagadougou 01 BP 594, Burkina Faso)

  • Hamma Yacouba

    (Laboratoire Eaux, Hydro-Systèmes et Agriculture (LEHSA), Institut International d’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), Ouagadougou 01 BP 594, Burkina Faso)

Abstract

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Burkina Faso increasingly relies on cyanide, intensifying concerns about environmental contamination and human exposure. This study assessed free cyanide levels in water and soil across three ASGM sites—Zougnazagmiline, Guido, and Galgouli. Water samples (surface and groundwater) and topsoil (0–20 cm) were analyzed using the pyridine–pyrazolone method. Data were statistically and spatially processed using SPSS version 29.0 and the Google Earth Engine in conjunction with QGIS version 3.34, respectively. A site conceptual model (SCM) was also developed, based on the literature review, field observations, and validation by multidisciplinary experts in public health, toxicology, ecotoxicology, environmental engineering, and the mining sector, through a semi-structured survey. The results showed that 9.26% of the water samples exceeded the WHO guideline (0.07 mg/L), with peaks of 1.084 mg/L in Guido and 2.42 mg/L in Galgouli. At Zougnazagmiline, the water type differences were significant (F = 64.13; p < 0.001), unlike the other sites. In the soil, 29.36% of the samples exceeded 0.5 mg/kg, with concentrations reaching 9.79 mg/kg in Galgouli. A spatial analysis revealed pollution concentrated near the mining areas but spreading to residential and agricultural zones. The validated SCM integrates pollution sources, transport mechanisms, exposure routes, and vulnerable populations, offering a structured tool for environmental monitoring and health risk assessment in cyanide-impacted mining regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Edmond N’Bagassi Kohio & Seyram Kossi Sossou & Hela Karoui & Hamma Yacouba, 2025. "Environmental Cyanide Pollution from Artisanal Gold Mining in Burkina Faso: Human Exposure Risk Analysis Based on a Conceptual Site Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(7), pages 1-28, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:7:p:1125-:d:1702886
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Josephine Singo & Dingani Moyo & John Bosco Isunju & Stephan Bose-O’Reilly & Nadine Steckling-Muschack & Jana Becker & Antony Mamuse, 2022. "Health and Safety Risk Mitigation among Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners in Zimbabwe," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-24, November.
    2. Paweł Kowalewski & Dominik A. Skopiec, 2024. "Price processes in the global gold market," Bank i Kredyt, Narodowy Bank Polski, vol. 55(4), pages 381-424, January.
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