A recent geochemical assessment of the Lemba petroleum sub-basin in the western Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has documented the concentrations of metals and rare earth elements (REEs) in soils and riverbed sediments. The study, published in 2026, aimed to evaluate the environmental impact of ongoing petroleum exploration activities in the region.
Researchers collected samples from multiple sites within the sub-basin and analyzed them for a suite of trace elements, including lead, zinc, copper, and REEs such as lanthanum and cerium. The results indicate that certain areas exhibit elevated concentrations compared to background levels, suggesting potential contamination from exploration and related activities.
The study also assessed the potential ecological and human health risks associated with these concentrations. While some samples showed levels that could pose a risk to aquatic life, the overall hazard indices for human exposure were generally within acceptable limits, though the authors recommend continued monitoring.
The findings highlight the need for environmental management strategies in petroleum-rich regions of the DRC, balancing resource extraction with the protection of local ecosystems and communities. The full study is available in the journal Environmental Earth Sciences.
