Some Physicochemical Charateristics of Badagry Creek, Nigeria

Badagry Creek runs through Nigeria and Republic of Benin with access to the Atlantic Ocean. Physicochemical parameters of the creek were studied from 2003 to 2004 to generate baseline data in view of its increasingly importance in economic life and developmental issues. Two important sites, with highest human activities, Akarakumo and Topo, were chosen for monthly analyses of water samples following methods and procedures of APHA. Colour, surface temperature, pH, salinity, turbidity, phenol, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, conductivity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, total hardness (calcium and magnesium), nitrates, phosphates, sulphates, chlorides, free carbon dioxide, acidity, oil and greese were analysed. There were significant difference in monthly variations (P < 0.05) of all the parameters except for ammonia (P > 0.05). The mean concentration of the parameters showed significant variation with mean values of 27.51 ± 1.17 °C for temperature, biological oxygen demand 18.38 ± 8.14 mg/l, free carbon dioxide, 4.00 ± 2.07 mg/l and ammonia 0.18 ± 0.15 mg/l. Values were within those reported for most estuaries globally. It was revealed that variations in the water quality of the creek are largely influenced by season and intrusion from the ocean at different tide levels.