Research Article
Effects of Artisan Mining on Soil Degradation and Contamination in Gedarif State (Eastern Sudan)
Muna Mahjoub Mohamed Ahmed*
,
Nahla Shareef Tambel
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-7
Received:
9 May 2025
Accepted:
3 June 2025
Published:
26 January 2026
Abstract: The present study was initiated with the objective to investigate the effect of artisan mining activities on soil degradation and contamination with mercury and cyanide used in gold extraction. The area of study was around AlSada village located at the northern western part of Gadarif state (eastern Sudan). sites collected were according of intensity of mining activities as high (site 1) or medium (site 2) or without mining activity referred to as reference site. Soil samples were collected using a probe to a depth of 3 meters. 5 samples from site 1 and 3 from both site 2 and reference site. The sampling from each site included the three types of soils (sandy, clay and silt). so for site 1, 15 samples were analyzed, and 9 for each site 2 and reference site. Soil samples were also taken from gold tailing. Soils samples taken from the sites were analyzed for phsi-chemical properties. Samples taken from tailing were analyzed for lead and cyanide. Physical characteristics included texture and organic matter. Chemical analysis included pH, electrical conductivity (EC), Soluble cations and anions, Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP). The cations analyzed in saturation extracts were Ca, Mg, K, and Na, while the anions are SO4 (sulfate), CO3 (carbonate), HCO3 (bicarbonate) and Cl (chloride). The results obtained showed that the exchangeable cations showed significant (P≤0.05) lower values compared with the reference site. P concentration was the highest in the reference site, followed by site 1 (P≤0.05), then site 2 and mine tailing (P≤0.05). Cation exchangeable capacity (CEC) level was the highest (P≤0.05) at the reference site, followed by site 2 and site 1. CaCO3% was the highest (P≤0.05) at the reference site, showing the effect of the mining activity. For the heavy metals, lead showed higher levels than normal in all sites and was significantly affected by interactions of site with mine tailing. For cyanide a significant interaction was found for mine tailing with reference site. Most participants’ complaint about the negative impact of mining activities in the area due to vegetation removal and animal deaths from poisoning both affected their income the change in migration routes. Most did not think mining had contributed to the development of the area and most would not change lifestyle and join in gold mining. Health hazards were due to air, soil and water pollution. Hazards for workers are due mercury inhalation.
Abstract: The present study was initiated with the objective to investigate the effect of artisan mining activities on soil degradation and contamination with mercury and cyanide used in gold extraction. The area of study was around AlSada village located at the northern western part of Gadarif state (eastern Sudan). sites collected were according of intensi...
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Research Article
Assessment of the Microbiological Quality of Attieke Marketed in the Urban Municipality of Macenta (Republic of Guinea)
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
8-15
Received:
11 April 2026
Accepted:
24 April 2026
Published:
11 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.fem.20261201.12
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Abstract: Attieke is a traditional fermented cassava-based food widely consumed in West Africa, particularly in the Republic of Guinea, where it represents an important component of the daily diet. Its microbiological quality is strongly influenced by artisanal processing methods, post-fermentation handling practices, storage conditions, and marketing environments, which may affect product safety. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of attieke sold in the urban municipality of Macenta, Guinea. Sixteen samples were randomly collected from different retail outlets and analyzed using standard microbiological methods. The parameters investigated included total aerobic mesophilic flora, total and thermotolerant coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, yeasts and molds, and Salmonella spp. The results showed total aerobic mesophilic counts ranging from 15 to 1,000 CFU/g. Total coliforms were detected in 62.5% of samples, while thermotolerant coliforms were present in 50%, indicating inadequate hygienic conditions during processing and distribution. Staphylococcus aureus and yeasts and molds were detected in 81.3% of samples, with maximum counts of 44 CFU/g and 310 CFU/g, respectively. Salmonella spp. was not detected in any sample (absence in 25 g). Overall, microbial loads were within acceptable limits for ready-to-eat foods. However, the presence of hygiene indicator microorganisms highlights the need to strengthen good hygiene practices throughout the production and distribution chain in order to improve food safety.
Abstract: Attieke is a traditional fermented cassava-based food widely consumed in West Africa, particularly in the Republic of Guinea, where it represents an important component of the daily diet. Its microbiological quality is strongly influenced by artisanal processing methods, post-fermentation handling practices, storage conditions, and marketing enviro...
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