Since the beginning of the century, the environment (air, land and water) has been subjected to increasing pressure from industrial and human activities whose effects were quickly felt. In the aquatic environment, much of anthropogenic or natural compounds are adsorbed on particulate matter and accumulate in sediment. Sediment can affect the bioavailability of contaminants and therefore toxicity. A transect was established along the river Karavia, and (composite) samples of sediments were collected in surface and in depth about four retained stations for laboratory analysis. The results indicate a high concentration of trace metals (SEM), especially copper (3488 ppm 2307 ppm surface against deep) in sediments. The level of copper content exceeds excessively standards AFNOR, WHO and Canadian recommendations for the protection of aquatic life and indicate severe pollution of the substrate. The transfer of pollutants through the profile, particularly the copper is notable. This is justified: First, the ETM from copper production through the factory Gecamines has accumulated in the surface horizons and reached a very high level of concentration, causing the disappearance of vegetation and emergence of large bare surfaces. Increased erosion explains the transfer of the ETM-Penga Penga tray down or bottom-Karavia pass the river. Second, the chemical parameters (pH, CEC) and soil (particle size) explain the transfer of ETM through the profile. The ultimate goal of this study component "sediment" is to assess the impact of these pollutants, sediment in particular, the most realistic way possible on the environment.

In the aquatic environment, much of anthropogenic or natural compounds are adsorbed on particulate matter and accumulate in sediment. Sediment can affect the bioavailability of contaminants and therefore toxicity. A transect was established along the river Mulungwishi, 12 stations were selected along this transect and water and sediment samples were collected for laboratory analysis. The results indicate a high concentration of elements in the study (Cu, Co, Pb, Fe, Mn, and Mg), particularly in sediments than in the water. Cu slightly exceeds WHO standards set at 2 mg / L, the station 7. Against the stations 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 show high concentrations in sediments to Cu, Co. This is explained by the change in physicochemical conditions of rivers. In this case, it is the pH of the water, particularly when acid which facilitates the mobility of certain hazardous components and their transport along the river especially when the speed is great. By cons when the pH of the water is basic, some other elements precipitate and accumulate in sediment, increasing their concentrations, or of the risk of exposure of aquatic fauna, creatures and aquatic plants as well as the man who would exercise any activity on an exposed river has human pressure in all its forms.

In Katanga, the diversity of metallurgical processes has led to contamination of the environment by trace metals (TM). An essay was set for the purpose of determining the level of TM contents in the water of the river Lubumbashi, the ground on which families make crops and plants produced on it to assess the risk of contamination of the food chain.
Soil samples were collected at the study site, sieved, homogenized and made of a composite left in the pots. The 2x3 factorial designs with 6 repetitions, 36 treatments were installed. The "soil" factor 2 variants: T0, T1, and "plant species" factor has 3 levels (cabbage, spinach, and amaranth).
The results showed very high levels, Cu [1200], Co [1600], Mn [1200] ppm in soils of the Lubumbashi's river, they are superior to the standard NFU 44-041 in force France. These high levels of TM ground T1 have led a deleterious effect on plant growth involving their dead. The irrigation water provided an additional TM soil of about 0.00063 mg/L Cu, 0.000225 Co, Fe 796.5, 504 Mn, Cd and 0.513 0 36 Pb, which is important inputs.
Contamination of the food chain through the consumption of vegetables grown on this soil is evident and real. The use of effective technologies bioremediation of contaminated soils is important to reduce the risk of food poisoning in humans.