Assessment of physicochemical parameters of Qua Iboe estuary, Nigeria

Abstract

The physicochemical parameters of Qua Iboe estuary were carried out to determine its suitability for fish growth. Three strategic locations were selected and a total of eleven different parameters were investigated using standard methods. The mean values for the physicochemical parameters were 28.22°C (Temperature); 4.04 mg/L (Dissolved oxygen); 7.72 (pH); 14.48‰ (Salinity); 16.91 mg/L (Alkalinity); 20348.95 μs/cm (Conductivity); 13851.11 mg/L (TDS); 0.07 mg/L (Nitrate); 0.66 mg/L (Chloride); 0.17 mg/L (Phosphate) and 7.72 mg/L (Sulphate). The results revealed monthly variation in conductivity, TDS, nitrate and phosphate while spatial variation was noticed in pH, salinity, TDS, chloride and phosphate, suggesting that increased anthropogenic activities and the influx of allochthonous organic and inorganic materials from the surrounding catchments area into the estuary may have altered the water quality. With exception of conductivity and TDS, the values of physicochemical properties were within the standard guideline values for survival, metabolism and physiology of aquatic organisms in a brackish water environment. Thus, there should be concerted effort to maintain the conditions of the estuary in view of its uniqueness and importance in the life cycle of many aquatic species and the livelihood of local fisher-folks.