Abstract

Water quality assessment of Apapa waters, at the specified sites of Lagos lagoon susceptible to high level of pollution in the Apapa jetty, Apapa dockyard and Daddo terminals of the Lagos Lagoon was conducted. Water samples were analyzed for different physical and chemical parameters; pH, alkalinity, acidity, conductivity, turbidity, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and dissolved oxygen (DO), total hardness (TH), major cations and anions, and some heavy metals using standard methods and procedures. The ranges of these parameters were found to be comparable to those reported by Lagos state environmental protection agency (LASEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) except for TSS, TDS, TS, chloride, nitrogen, sulphate, phosphate, manganese and nickel which were found in higher concentrations above LASEPA limits. Results showed that the Shores of the Lagos lagoon at Apapa dockyard and Daddo terminal become progressively polluted by the waste materials discharged along its course due to large volume of port and industrial activities. The Lagoon is currently facing various environmental and ecological challenges at these locations. It is recommended that aggressive enlightenment campaigns should be organized for the residents of Apapa community. There should also be a strict enforcement of relevant laws concerning the abuse of water bodies for sustainable development.