This study investigated the spatial distribution of trace metals (Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr, Co, Sc and V) and
radionuclides (Th and U) contamination in surface and bottom sediments from the Nyong estuary,
Cameroon southern Atlantic coast, to provide informations on the pollution status of these sediments
and the possible sources of pollutants. Salinity were measured in situ in interstitial water and dried
sediment were analyzed for grain size parameters and geochemical composition. Salinity decreases
from downstream to upstream, with 19.88 PSU as the highest value and sand is the main constituent
(79.25 %). The concentrations of these elements varied significantly among depth (surface and bottom
section), with a preferential contribution from the surface. In this surface section, several elements
(Fe, Mn, Co, Sc and V) contributed about 80 % to the distribution of each of them in the estuary.
Enrichment Factor (EF), Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) and Contamination Factor (CF) of Nyong estuary
surface sediments revealed a moderate pollution, while bottom sediment were unpolluted to moderate
polluted. The pollution load index (PLI) show that surface sediments (3.86) and bottom sediments
(1.19) are polluted. Pearson correlation and component principal analysis confirmed the natural origin
of selected elements (Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr, Co, Sc, V, Th and U) through the weathering and the erosion of
sources rocks. However, Pearson correlation analysis and the high Ni (3.91) and Cr (3.54) EF values
in bottom sediments suggest a reception of other contaminants from the same emission sources or
similar sources, may be agronomic inputs.