Baseline Study of Surface Water Chemistry of Badagry Creek, Lagos Nigeria

The baseline hydrochemistry of Badagry Creek (Longitude2 42 and 3 23E and latitude 623 and 628 N. Lagos, Nigeria was investigated between 2007-2013 from four sampling stations to determine some physico-chemical parameters with the purpose of establishing a baseline data for Badagry creek. This is meant to set the record straight of future references. In doing this, the author followed the procedure of American Public Health Associations (APHA et. al). The results show that physicochemical parameters did not differ significantly (Pgreater than0.05) with respect to location. The surface water of the creek was characterized by high Turbidity (13.84 5.73 NTU), Low Dissolved oxygen (4.660.51mg/L) High Total Hardness as CaC03 (1153.742130.60 mg/L) High Total Hardness as MgC03, (828.472252.20mg/L), High Conductivity, (2366.333449.59S/cm), High Chemical Oxygen Demand (603.26457.65) High Biochemical Oxygen Demand (152.7589.05mg/L). The levels were above the maximum allowable levels set by Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and WHO. Analysis of Variance equally revealed that the parameters were significantly high (pless than0.05) and different among the study stations. Also the values of the heavy metals recorded were significantly higher when compared with international standards set by both FEPA and WHO. The trace metals analyzed includes Cadmium Chromium Lead (Copper and Zinc all in mg/L respectively. Consequently, continuous monitoring of these parameters in the Creek is highly recommended.