Mezam River in Cameroon Heavily Polluted, Urgent Action Needed to Protect Health
The Mezam River in Bamenda, Cameroon, is being studied to see how polluted it is and if it's safe for different uses. Water samples were collected and tested for chemicals and bacteria. The river water is slightly acidic and has low ion levels. In the dry season, it has calcium and sulfate, while in the rainy season, it has calcium, magnesium, sulfate, chloride, and nitrate. High nitrate levels were found at one point. The river is heavily polluted with bacteria, especially in the city center, likely due to human activities. People are encouraged to dispose of waste properly to protect the river and public health.