278-10 Multi-Proxy Analysis of Sediment Dynamics and Inputs in the Wouri Estuary
Session: Understanding Temporal Dynamics in Hydrogeochemistry and Sedimentary Processes in Estuarine Environments
Presenting Author:
Henry AgbogunAuthors:
Agbogun, Henry M.D.1, Atekwana, Eliot A.2, Ali, Hendratta N.3, Njilah, Isaac Konfor4(1) Department of Geosciences, Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS, USA; Athabasca University, Athabasca, Alberta, Canada, (2) University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA, (3) Department of Geosciences, Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS, USA, (4) The University of Yaounde 1, Earth Sciences, Yaounde, Cameroon,
Abstract:
Understanding sediment dynamics and input sources in estuaries is essential for effective environmental management and conservation. This study investigates the historical sediment flux and source inputs in the Wouri tropical estuary, Cameroon, using two 78 cm sediment cores collected from tidal flats on the eastern and western flanks of the estuary.
The cores were analyzed for grain size and color variation, organic matter content using the Loss on Ignition (LOI) method, and elemental composition via wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF). Elemental enrichment factors were calculated relative to average crustal abundance and compared between the two locations.
The eastern core revealed three stratigraphic sections: a lower fine-grained unit (organic matter: 7.9 – 13.5%), a middle layer with mixed fine and coarse grains (4.8 – 7.7%), and an upper coarse-grained section (0.9 – 1.8%). The western core displayed two sections: a lower medium-grained layer (3.6 – 4.6%) and an upper coarse-grained layer (1.9 – 2.1%). These variations in grain size and organic matter content indicate shifts in depositional energy, suggesting a historical tidal energy asymmetry across the estuary.
Elemental analysis showed moderate to very high enrichment of antimony (Sb) and molybdenum (Mo) throughout both cores. Cobalt (Co) and arsenic (As) were also moderately to significantly enriched in the eastern core, while moderate Co enrichment was noted only in the upper 15 cm section of the western core. These findings suggest spatial variation in sediment input sources, likely influenced by river discharge dynamics and varying anthropogenic pressures within the estuarine catchment.
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025
doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-6309
© Copyright 2025 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved.
Multi-Proxy Analysis of Sediment Dynamics and Inputs in the Wouri Estuary
Category
Topical Sessions
Description
Session Format: Oral
Presentation Date: 10/22/2025
Presentation Start Time: 04:20 PM
Presentation Room: HBGCC, 213AB
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