Spatial Pattern of Water Quality Parameters in Ologe Lagoon Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the spatial pattern of water quality parameters in Ologe lagoon, Lagos State. Purposive sampling method was used to categorize the lagoon into upstream, middle stream and downstream and water samples were collected from the sections of the lagoon. Eighteen physiochemical and biological parameters were tested by conducting a standardized laboratory analysis on the water samples. Tables, graphs and ANOVA were employed to show inter-station comparisons and significant differences between parameters. The study revealed that there was no significant variations (p>0.05) in temperature, pH, TDO, phosphorus, zinc, nitrate and lead across all the stations. However, significant differences (p<0.05) exist in the values of EC, Turbidity, alkalinity, TDS, total hardness, Coliform and E. Coli across the stations. Many of the parameters examined were within the limits of the World Health Organization standard for human consumption except for the values of turbidity (224NTU), iron (8.65±0.21) recorded at the upstream and all the values of DO in the three stations. The study concluded that the values obtained from the different stations showed that their concentration varies across the lagoon, however, many of these values are within the WHO acceptable limit safe for human consumption. Therefore, apt attention must be given to continuous monitoring of the lagoon so as to protect, plan and device management strategies to the lagoon as regards the uses around it. Hence, future studies on the influence of natural processes on Ologe lagoon is important to make an effective water quality management plan.