Study on the Balance of Phosphate and Nitrate Concentrations in the Lagos Lagoon’s Water System
Publication Date: 20/01/2021
Author(s): Olayemi Temitope Emmanuel.
Volume/Issue: Volume 4 , Issue 1 (2021)
Abstract:
The effect of nutrient enrichment on surface water has continued to be a major environmental problem. The balance of nitrogen to phosphorus in water often determines the productivity of the water. This study was carried out to determine the nitrogen to phosphorus ratio in the Lagos lagoon, hence the nutrient availability in the water. Water samples were obtained at six different locations in the Lagos lagoon at different months; March, June and August 2015. The physico-chemical properties were determined in the laboratory by titrimetry. Phosphates and nitrates were determined spectrophotometrically; pH, 7.09-8.37 (7.704±0.18); alkalinity, 50-180 (93.89±0.2.45mgL-1); dissolved oxygen, 3.38-5.31 (4.65±0.53 mgL-1); biochemical oxygen demand, 75.3-233 (151.65±6.49 mgL-1); Phosphates, 0-0.892 (0.285±0.13mgL-1) Nitrates, 0.149-0.312 (0.198±0.01mgL-1). High concentrations of Nitrates and Phosphates in the water samples from the Lagoon indicated that the waters flowing into the Lagoon were highly polluted, is highly contaminated and therefore not suitable for drinking purposes by man. In conclusion, this study is baseline data toward future ecological study, conservation and management of the resources of this economically important wetland in Nigeria.
Keywords:
Phosphate, Nitrate, Lagos Lagoon, Water System, Environmental Problem.
