Assessment of water quality parameters in an artificial lake, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

This is a baseline study on the physical and chemical conditions of water in an artificial lake, Southwestern Nigeria. It was carried out between November 2013 and October 2014, covering both wet and dry seasons, with a view to assessing the water quality status of the lake, its suitability for aquaculture and drinking, as well as its recreational potential. Among the parameters analysed, only transparency and sodium showed significant seasonal variations. All the nineteen parameters observed were within the acceptable limits of NIS, USEPA, and WHO except turbidity and phosphate. This indicated that Strabag Lake is largely not polluted and has a high potential for aquaculture, drinking and recreation. Generally, this study revealed that Strabag Lake has not yet been greatly impacted through anthropogenic activities, which are the common case of inland freshwater pollution in many African countries, including Nigeria.

Key words: Anthropogenic activities, aquatic life, aquifer, pollution, season, Strabag