Evaluating the Forcados Lagoon’s Ecological Status Using Physicochemical and Biological Water Quality Indicators
Abstract
The Forcados Lagoon and its surrounding catchment areas are strongly influenced by intensive agricultural activities that rely heavily on agrochemical inputs. This makes it essential to assess the lagoon’s water quality to better understand how these practices affect the ecosystem and its associated biota. In this study, the ecological status of the lagoon was evaluated using physicochemical parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, pH, nitrate, phosphate, silicate, and ammonia, The lagoon was divided into five zones (A–E) to reflect varying levels of human impact, particularly farming activities along its banks. Results showed that Zones A and B recorded the highest pH levels (9.6 ± 0.16), exceeding acceptable limits, while Zone C had the lowest (8.5 ± 0.03). Dissolved oxygen levels were within permissible limits across all zones, ranging from 6.5 ± 0.13 mg/l in Zone A to 8.1 ± 0.26 mg/l in Zone D. Nutrient concentrations revealed elevated nitrate levels across all zones, with the highest in Zone A (3.4 ± 0.03 mg/l). Ammonia and phosphate levels were within acceptable limits but were also highest in Zone A. Overall, the findings indicate progressive ecological deterioration of the lagoon over time due to sustained anthropogenic pressures.
Keywords
Forcados LagoonPhysicochemicalBiologicalWater Quality
References
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