IMPACT OF SOME HUMAN INDUCED STRESSORS ON THE BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE ASSEMBLAGE OF LAGOS LAGOON, NIGERIA

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e-ISSN: 24085162; p-ISSN: 20485170; April, 2024: Vol. 9 No. 1 pp. 029 – 037
29
IMPACT OF SOME HUMAN INDUCED STRESSORS ON THE BENTHIC
MACROINVERTEBRATE ASSEMBLAGE OF LAGOS LAGOON, NIGERIA
Nkwoji, Joseph A.1, Amarachi P. Onyena*2, Emeka B. Nwakeze1, Oyinkansola V.
Osinubi1, Hamdalah A. Abayomi1
1Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
2Department of Marine Environment and Pollution Control, Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, Nigeria.
*Corresponding Author Email Address: amarachionyena@gmail.com , josephunilag@gmail.com
Received: January 12, 2024 Accepted: April 12, 2024
Abstract: The Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria faces significant human-induced stress, impacting its biodiversity and
ecosystem dynamics, notably the benthic macroinvertebrates. A study was carried out to assess the impact
of human activities on the abundance and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Lagos Lagoon.
Twelve stations with varying human impacts along the Lagos lagoon were investigated monthly between
November 2021 and April 2022. Water and benthic macroinvertebrates were collected monthly using
Hydrobios Water Sampler and Van-Veen grab respectively, and analysed in the laboratory using standard
methods. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (P<0.05) in pH and Total Suspended Solids
(TSS) among study stations, while other parameters showed no significant variation (P>0.05). Water
temperature ranged from 27.3 to 29.7°C, with spatial variability observed. pH levels ranged from 6.2 to
7.0, indicating acidic to neutral conditions, potentially influenced by industrial activities. Salinity ranged
from 5.0 to 17.0 ppt, highest in March, attributed to the dry season. Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids
(TDS), and Turbidity varied spatially, influenced by land use and runoff. Dissolved oxygen levels ranged
from 4.5 to 6.9 mg/L, with lowest levels in April, potentially impacting aquatic biota. Principal Component
Analysis (PCA) highlighted interrelations among physicochemical parameters, emphasizing salinity,
conductivity, and TDS in specific stations. Benthic macroinvertebrate analysis revealed dominance by
gastropods (64%), with low biodiversity and abundance, indicating disturbed ecosystems. Human
activities are key drivers of water quality degradation and macroinvertebrate community changes,
emphasizing the need for management strategies to preserve ecosystem health.
Keywords: Biomonitoring; Lagos lagoon; Bioindicator; Pollution; Macroinvertebrates
Introduction
The intricate dynamics of aquatic ecosystems are
increasingly subjected to the deleterious effects of
anthropogenic stressors, with notable implications for
benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages (Ma et al., 2023).
These diminutive yet ecologically significant organisms
constitute pivotal components of aquatic ecosystems,
serving critical roles in nutrient cycling, energy transfer,
and overall ecological stability. The encroachment of
human activities, notably urbanization, agriculture, and
industrialization, has precipitated an array of stressors,
ranging from habitat degradation to pollutant influxes,
profoundly influencing benthic macroinvertebrates (Keke
et al., 2021; Onyena, 2019).
Benthic macroinvertebrates are important indicators of
aquatic ecosystem health and water quality dynamics
(Banda et al., 2023). They are sensitive to pollution and
changes in their environment, making them valuable for
biomonitoring and assessing the impacts of phenomena
such as climate change (Nkwoji et al., 2020; Onyena et
al., 2023). Macroinvertebrates play a crucial role in
aquatic ecosystems by serving as reliable indicators of
water quality and ecosystem health. They contribute to the
circulation and recirculation of nutrients, accelerate the
breakdown of organic matter, and serve as a food source
for higher animal taxa (Brraich and Kaur, 2017).
Additionally, they are essential for converting carbon and
nitrogen from plant tissues into animal biomass, thus
supporting higher-order consumers (Thakur et al., 2023).
Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria, as a mega city with high
anthropogenic activities, is significantly impacting aquatic
organisms and biodiversity (Ugwumba et al., 2020;
Nkwoji et al., 2020; Adesakin et al., 2023). The
continuous discharge of industrial and domestic inputs
into the lagoon has led to the release of potentially toxic
elements (PTEs) into the water, posing a serious
ecological threat to the marine environment and human
health (Basheeru et al., 2022). The proximity of the lagoon
to human settlements has resulted in the disposal of
wastewater from polluting activities, such as sawmills and
livestock processing, further degrading the aquatic
ecosystem. The physicochemical parameters and
abundance of planktonic and benthic invertebrates in the
lagoon are being affected by human activities, including
transportation, fishing, and domestic sewage disposal.
These anthropogenic stressors have led to changes in
water quality, loss of certain organisms, and the thriving
of tolerant benthic macroinvertebrates.
Human-induced stressors have a significant impact on the
benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages of Lagos Lagoon
in Nigeria. These stressors include anthropogenic
activities, encroachment into aquatic environments, and
pollution from industries and human settlements. The
presence of toxic chemicals in the waterbodies has led to
the loss of certain organisms and the thriving of tolerant
benthic macroinvertebrates (Bendary et al., 2023;
Adesakin et al., 2023). Studies have shown that benthic
macroinvertebrates are reliable indicators of the extent of
toxicity and pollution in coastal waters (Nkwoji et al.,
2020; Onyena et al., 2023; Andem et al., 2023). The
distribution and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in
the Lagos Lagoon are influenced by the physical and
chemical characteristics of the water, as well as the
availability of food and the extent of human impacts and
activities (Keke et al., 2021). It is crucial to manage the
river and its surrounding ecosystem appropriately to
ensure sustainable water quality and biodiversity
conservation (Ugwumba et al., 2020). This study aims to
evaluating the impact of anthropogenic activities of the
Supported by

Impact of Some Human Induced Stressors on the Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblage of Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria
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e-ISSN: 24085162; p-ISSN: 20485170; April, 2024: Vol. 9 No. 1 pp. 029 – 037
30
macroinvertebrates the community structure in the Lagos
lagoon Nigeria.
Materials and Methods
Description of Study Area and Stations
The Lagos Lagoon, situated in the mega city of Lagos,
Nigeria, holds the distinction of being the largest in the
Gulf of Guinea, spanning over 6,000 square kilometres
(Ibe 1988). It is positioned between the Atlantic Ocean and
Lagos State and forms an integral part of the lagoon
system along the Gulf of Guinea. Experiencing semi-
diurnal tides, with an average depth of 2 meters (maximum
5 meters), the lagoon serves as a vital habitat for diverse
aquatic organisms, including various fish species (Nkwoji
and Edokpayi, 2013).The Lagos Harbour serves as the sole
connection to the Atlantic Ocean, boasting a water depth
exceeding 25 meters. The continuous growth in human
population in and around the Lagos metropolis has
resulted to such tremendous increase in generated wastes
of unprecedented quantities and variants. Industries of
various types and nature have been birthed and in addition,
recreational and tourist centres have been built. Twelve
sampling stations that transverse the western axis of the
lagoon (Table 1) was chosen for the study. The choice is
based on their importance as sources of different forms of
contaminants into the lagoon. Coordinates of the sampling
stations were marked (Figure 1) using Global Positioning
System (GPS) (Magellan SporTrak GPS receiver).
Table 1: Sampling Stations and their Coordinates
STATION
LOCATIONS
LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
1
IDDO JETTY
6°28’10.9095N
3°23’2.4686E
2
OYINGBO JETTY
6°28’27.3430N
3°23’8.6189E
3
OKOBABA
6°28’53.5704N
3°23’30.7090E
4
MAKOKO
6°29’45.8031N
3°23’49.1950E
5
ABULE AGEGE
6°30’33.9523N
3°24’0.4366E
6
UNILAG JETTY
6°31’6.3924N
3°24’11.7397E
7
ABULE ELEDU
6°31’25.0835N
3°24’3.0754E
8
AGBOYI CREEK
6°33’49.1934N
3°24’37.5127E
9
OGUDU CREEK
6°33’49.3608N
3°24’25.1073E
10
MAJIDUN I
6°35’14.0201N
3°27’20.4153E
11
MAJIDUN II
6°35’33.0098N
3°27’39.8852E
12
OGOLONTO
6°35’59.4204N
3°28’30.0205E
Figure 1. Lagos Lagoon showing the sampling stations of the study area
Collection and analysis of samples
Collection and analysis of water samples
Surface water samples were collected monthly using 1-
liter pre-labelled plastic containers at designated study
stations over a 6-month period from November 2021 to
April 2022, spanning from 0800 to 1200 noon. A
motorized boat equipped with an outboard engine
facilitated the collection process. In-situ measurements of
water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), and total
dissolved solids (TDS) were conducted at each sampling
station using a mercury-in-glass thermometer, a handheld
LaMotte DO Meter (DO 6 PLUS), and a LaMotte TDS
Meter (TDS 6 PLUS) respectively. The Hydrobios water
sampler, following APHA (2002) guidelines, was

Impact of Some Human Induced Stressors on the Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblage of Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria
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31
employed for station-based sample collection. The
samples were stored in a large, airtight plastic ice chest at
4°C to prevent deterioration. Laboratory analysis,
following standard methods (APHA, 2002),
included the measurement of salinity and pH using a
Horiba-U10 water quality checker. Nitrate, phosphate, and
sulfate were assessed through colorimetric analysis and
spectroscopy utilizing a LaMotte Smart-
Spectrophotometer. Additionally, separate water samples
were collected in 250ml dissolved oxygen bottles at each
station for dissolved oxygen estimation using iodometric
Winkler’s method. These samples were incubated in
darkness for five days to determine biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD5), following the procedures outlined in
APHA (2002).
Collection and analysis of benthic samples
Benthic samples were obtained using a 0.25 m2 Van-Veen
grab (weighing 25kg and standing at a height of 20cm) at
every designated station while stationed on an anchored
boat. The collected samples were sifted through a sieve
with a mesh size of 0.55 mm. Substances remaining on the
sieve were placed in appropriately labeled plastic
containers and treated with 10% formalin. This
preservation method facilitated the subsequent processes
of sorting, grouping, classification, and further analysis of
benthic macroinvertebrates, all carried out in accordance
with established standard procedures.
Statistical analysis
Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses of the
physicochemical parameters of water were conducted
with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 21
(SPSS 21) for Windows. Diversity indices were calculated
using the Paleontological statistical (PAST) program.
Principal Component Analysis was employed via
Originlab software to discern interrelations between the
physicochemical parameters and study stations. Canonical
Correspondence Analysis, carried out with PAST, aimed
to estimate the relationship between the physicochemical
parameters and the macroinvertebrate fauna across the
study area.
Results and Discussion
Hydrochemistry variations
The P-statistics and F-distribution results of the physical
and chemical parameters of the water samples measured
(Table 2) indicated that only pH and Total Suspended
Solids (TSS) showed significant differences (P<0.05)
among study stations while Salinity, Conductivity, Total
Dissolved Solids and Dissolved Oxygen, Water
Temperature, Turbidity, and BOD showed no significant
difference (P>0.05) across study stations.
Table 2: The Mean±SD of the Physicochemical Parameters of the Water Samples in the Study Area for the Period of Study
The water temperature within the study area exhibited a
consistent range of 27.3 to 29.7°C, with notable variations
throughout the year. December recorded the lowest
temperature, while April marked the highest. Ogolonto
experienced the warmest temperatures spatially, whereas
the Abule-Agege area registered the coolest temperatures.
This pattern aligns with the findings of Oyeleke et al.
(2019), who measured water temperature in Lagos Lagoon
and reported a range of 28.50-30.15°C across different
locations. Adewoyin et al. (2022) also noted temperature
variations, stating that the wet season's highest mean
temperature in Apapa was 30.28±1.15°C, while the lowest
mean temperature of 26.41±1.15°C was observed in
Okobaba. Satellite imagery analysis conducted by
Alademomi et al. (2020) revealed an increase in mean
water temperature in the Lagos Lagoon over the years—
from 22.68°C in 1984 to 28.40°C in 2019. The uniformity
in water temperature values across the Lagos Lagoon can
be attributed to its shallowness and the regular tidal
motions, facilitating complete water mixing.
Water
Temperature
pH
Salinity
Conductivity
Turbidity
T.S.S
T.D.S
D.O
BOD
Iddo
28.3±0.5
6.4±0.2
14.2±1.5
16.2±1.2
13.3±1.0
11.2±1.0
16.7±5.2
6.1±0.1
7.3±0.3
Oyingbo
28.8±0.4
6.6±0.2
11.8±1.2
12.7±1.6
11.5±0.8
10.0±0.9
14.5±3.9
5.2±0.2
7.1±0.1
Okobaba
28.8±0.4
6.6±0.3
10.7±1.3
11.2±0.9
13.0±0.9
10.2±1.6
13.5±2.8
5.5±0.3
7.5±0.3
Makoko
28.3±0.8
6.7±0.1
9.3±1.2
10.7±0.5
8.5±0.8
9.8±0.8
12.7±0.8
6.2±0.2
5.9±0.6
Abule
Agege
27.3±0.5
6.7±0.2
10.8±1.0
11.7±1.4
12.8±0.4
11.0±1.4
12.6±0.7
5.1±0.6
8.4±0.4
Unilag
Lagoon
Front
29.5±0.6
6.7±0.2
11.5±1.2
11.3±0.5
12.5±1.2
11.2±
2.4
10.3±0.4
4.7±0.1
6.7±0.6
Abule
Eledu
29.0±0.3
6.9±0.1
9.3±1.4
11.0±1.4
11.8±4.0
11.0±4.1
11.4±0.9
6.3±0.4
7.0±2.0
Agboyi
29.5±0.0
6.7±0.2
8.1±1.8
10.4±0.9
15.8±4.0
14.3±3.7
12.2±1.7
5.9±0.6
7.1±2.3
Ogudu
29.3±0.3
6.7±0.2
7.3±1.4
9.9±0.7
13.4±3.0
13.2±2.1
12.7±2.0
5.9±0.6
7.3±2.7
Majidun
28.5±0.5
6.8±0.1
11.3±3.4
11.4±1.5
12.0±4.0
10.8±1.7
13.7±1.9
6.2±0.5
7.4±3.5
Abule
29.3±0.3
6.8±0.2
11.2±1.9
10.6±0.5
13.3±1.2
12.2±1.7
13.1±1.6
5.9±0.4
7.4±4.1
Ogolonto
29.7±0.4
6.8±0.2
11.5±2.7
14.3± 3.1
12.8±2.3
11.3±1.9
12.5±2.2
5.8±
0.6
8.3±5.6
F-Value
13.107
2.533
6.331
7.520
2.965
2.137
2.625
8.566
3.480
P-Stat.
P>0.05
P<0.05
P>0.05
P>0.05
P>0.05
P<0.05
P>0.05
P>0.05
P>0.05

Impact of Some Human Induced Stressors on the Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblage of Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria
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The pH levels of the water samples in this study varied
between 6.2 and 7.0, suggesting an acidic to neutral
condition. This acidity could be influenced by several
factors, including the influx of contaminants from nearby
creeks (Adesalu and Nwankwo, 2008). Stations like
Unilag Lagoon Front showed higher pH, possibly
influenced by local factors. The presence of industrial
activities and urbanization in the surrounding areas is also
identified as potential contributors to the acidity of the
water (Onyena and Okoro, 2019). Slight acidity may
impact the aquatic biota, especially species sensitive to pH
fluctuations. Salinity varied between 5.0 and 17.0 ppt,
with the lowest in August and the highest in March. Iddo
exhibited the highest salinity, while the lowest was found
in Iddo. The relatively high salinity recorded during the
period of study may be as a result of the period of the study
which coincides with dry season. The reduced fresh water
influx reduces dilution and increases the salinity during
the period of study (Onyema and Omokanye, 2016).
Conductivity ranged from 8.7 to 20.1 µS/cm, with the
highest and lowest values observed in November 2021 and
January 2022, respectively. The highest conductivity
occurred in Iddo, while Ogudu had the lowest. The same
trends follow for conductivity which has a direct
relationship with salinity. Total dissolved solids (TDS)
varied from 10.0 to 22.0 mg/L, with the lowest in April
and the highest in November. Unilag Lagoon Front had
the lowest TDS, while Iddo had the highest. Factors such
as land use and discharge from surrounding areas may
contribute to the TDS variations (Sharma et al., 2016).
Total suspended solids (TSS) ranged from 8.0 to 18.0
mg/L, correlating with turbidity values of 8.0 to 20.0
NTU. November recorded the lowest turbidity, and April
the highest. Agboyi had the highest turbidity, while
Makoko had the lowest. Higher values at Agboyi and
Unilag Lagoon Front may stem from increased
sedimentation due to urbanization or industrial activities.
The increase in turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS)
in some sampling stations may be due to the increase in
sediment mining as such activities lead to resuspension of
sediment in the water column. The highest turbidity in
April might be linked to increased rainfall, elevated
runoff, and higher suspended sediment concentrations in
the water (Zhou et al. 2015). Wet months often experience
intensified weather patterns, leading to greater soil erosion
and transport of sediments into water bodies, thereby
increasing turbidity (Chen et al., 2016). Elevated salinity,
conductivity, turbidity, and T.S.S may affect the habitat
suitability for certain aquatic organisms.
Dissolved oxygen levels ranged from 4.5 to 6.9 mg/L, with
the lowest in April and the highest in November.
Biological oxygen demand (BOD) values during the study
ranged from 5.1 to 10.2 mg/L, with the lowest recorded in
November 2021 and the highest in March 2022. There was
an observed decline in the levels of dissolved oxygen in
areas with higher anthropogenic activities and organic
matter decomposition. This was in consonance with the
findings of Nkwoji and Awodeyi (2018).
The variation in dissolved oxygen levels observed during
the study, ranging from 4.5 to 6.9 mg/L, with the lowest in
April and the highest in November can be linked to
seasonal changes and environmental dynamics. There was
an observed decline in the levels of dissolved oxygen in
areas with higher anthropogenic activities. This was in
consonance with the findings of Nkwoji and Awodeyi
(2018). Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) values which
ranged from 5.1 to 10.2 mg/L, was recorded lowest in
November 2021 and the highest in March 2022, these
variations could be linked to organic matter
decomposition and microbial activity. Lower BOD in
November might be associated with reduced organic
inputs, while the higher BOD in March could be
influenced by increased biological activities due to
favourable environmental conditions, such as nutrient
availability (Jaiswal et al., 2019). .Higher BOD, observed
at Abule Agege, may signify organic pollution, potentially
originating from industrial and domestic discharges.
Lower dissolved oxygen levels and higher BOD in the
Lagos Lagoon suggest potential stress on aquatic life,
affecting their respiration and overall health.
Table 3 provides a comprehensive overview of the
Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results, including
the loading plot and Eigen values for the nine studied
physicochemical parameters. This analysis illuminates the
interrelationships among these parameters and offers
insights into their contributions to overall water quality
dynamics. The PCA was expressed as two components,
PC1 and PC2, each providing unique perspectives on the
variability within the dataset.
PC1, constituting 33.83% of the total variation, is
characterized by weak positive loadings (<0.50) and
prominently features salinity, conductivity, and Total
Dissolved Solids (TDS) in specific stations (1, 2, 3, 5).
This suggests a modest correlation among these
parameters in the mentioned stations. Notably,
conductivity and salinity, as well as salinity, conductivity,
and TDS, exhibit nearly equal weight values, indicating a
notable interrelation between these factors. PC2,
representing 26.44% of the total variation, showcases
moderately positive loadings for turbidity, Total
Suspended Solids (TSS), and Biological Oxygen Demand
(BOD) in stations 6, 8, 9, 11, and 12 (Figure 2). These
findings suggest that PC2 is associated with the presence
of organically polluted materials, primarily arising from
anthropogenic sources.
Table 3: Loading plot and Eigen value of the nine
physicochemical parameters studied
Loading plot
PC 1
PC2
W/
TEMP
-0.28
0.29
pH
-0.41
-0.16
SAL.
0.50
0.08
COND
0.49
0.15
TUR
-0.08
0.62
TSS
-0.27
0.50
TDS
0.43
0.12
DO
-0.11
-0.18
BOD
0.04
0.41
Eigenvalue
%
Variance
Cumulative
PC1
2.85
33.83%
33.83%
PC2
2.03
26.44%
60.27%

Impact of Some Human Induced Stressors on the Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblage of Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria
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Figure 2: The Principal Component Analysis Biplot based on the correlation matrix of the water physicochemical parameters
across the Sample station
The temporal PCA biplot, depicted in the Figure 3, further shows temporal variations in water quality. PC1, contributing to
54.74% of the total variation (Table 4), reveals negative and moderate loadings for salinity and conductivity during March and
April 2022. This implies a potential decrease in these parameters during this period. In PC2, weakly positive loadings for
turbidity, BOD, and TDS in December 2021, January, and April 2022 indicate a potential increase in these parameters during
those months.
Figure 3: The Principal Component Analysis Biplot based on the correlation matrix of the water physicochemical parameters
across the Sample period
Table 4: Loading plot and Eigen value of the temporal variations in the nine physicochemical parameters studied
PC 1
PC2
W/ TEMP
-0.28
0.29
pH
-0.41
-0.16
SAL.
0.50
0.08
COND
0.49
0.15
TUR
-0.08
0.62
TSS
-0.27
0.50
TDS
0.43
0.12
DO
-0.11
-0.18
BOD
0.04
0.41
Eigenvalue
4.93
2.34
Percentage of Variance
54.74%
26.06%
Cumulative
54.74%
80.80%
Benthic macroinvertebrates composition and abundance
-2 0 2 4
-4
-2
0
2
-0.5 0.0 0.5 1.0
-1.0
-0.8
-0.6
-0.4
-0.2
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
ST 1
ST 2
ST 3
ST 4
ST 5
ST 6
ST 7
ST 8
ST 9
ST 10
ST 11ST 12
W/Temp
pH
Sal.
Cond.
Turb.
TSS
TDS
DO
BOD
PC 2 (26.44%)
PC 1 (33.83%)
-1 0 1
-2
-1
0
1
-0.5 0.0 0.5
-1.0
-0.8
-0.6
-0.4
-0.2
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
Nov 21
Dec 21
Jan 22
Feb 22
Mar 22
Apr 22
W/Temp
pH
Sal.
Cond.
Turb.
TSS
TDS
DO BOD
PC 2 (26.06%)
PC 1 (54.74%)

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Figure 4 shows the percentage representative samples of the benthic macroinvertebrates collected at the sampling stations
during the period of study. The overall percentage contribution of species to the benthic macroinvertebrates sampled during
the study period. The gastropod Tympanotonus fuscatus dominated the macrobenthic assemblage, contributing 44% and
followed by the bivalve, Aloides trigona and the gastropod Pachymelania aurita which contributed 23% and 13% respectively.
Figure 4: Percentage Species contribution to the total macrobenthic fauna abundance during the period of study
The Class Bivalvia, Polychaetea, and Crustacea accounted for 22%, 7%, and 7% respectively. The Phylum Mollusca and Class
Gastropoda (64%) dominated the benthic macroinvertebrate of the study area. This study confirms the quantitative dominance
of gastropoda in the Lagos lagoon and agrees with the results of previous studies in tropical zones (Figure 5).
Figure 5: Percentage contribution by Class of the benthic macroinvertebrates during the period of study
Tympanotonus
fuscatus
44%
Tympanotonus
fuscatus var
radula
0%
Pachymelania
aurita
13%
Neritina glabrata
2%
Thais sp.
0%
Aloides trigona
23%
Iphigenia
truncata
2%
Macoma
Cumana
3%
Crassostrea
gazar
4%
Mytilus edulis
7%
Calinectes sp.
0% Clibanarius
africanus
1%
Nereis sp.
1%
Tympanotonus fuscatus Tympanotonus fuscatus var radula
Pachymelania aurita Neritina glabrata
Thais sp. Aloides trigona
Iphigenia truncata Macoma Cumana
Crassostrea gazar Mytilus edulis
GASTROPODA
64%
BIVALVIA
22%
POLYCHAETA
7% CRUSTACEA
7%

Impact of Some Human Induced Stressors on the Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblage of Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria
FUW Trends in Science & Technology Journal, www.ftstjournal.com
e-ISSN: 24085162; p-ISSN: 20485170; April, 2024: Vol. 9 No. 1 pp. 029 – 037
35
Previous research on the Lagos lagoon in Nigeria has
shown that gastropod molluscs make up between 86% and
95% of the macroinvertebrate community in terms of
abundance (Nkwoji et al., 2010; 2016). Similarly, studies
in Côte d'Ivoire have found that Aby lagoon has a 51%
abundance of gastropod molluscs (Kouadio et al., 2008),
while Ebrié lagoon has a 71% abundance (Kouadio et al.,
2011). However, in Keta lagoon, Ghana, gastropod
molluscs make up a lower proportion of the
macroinvertebrate community (Lamptey and Armah,
2008). The low abundance of Clibanarius africanus and
the absence of other crustaceans in these areas may be due
to their sensitivity to organic pollution.
Table 5 represents the community structure of the benthic
fauna in the study area during the period of study. The
highest number of individuals and species were recorded
in Abule-Agege sampling station. The number of species
and individuals recorded in each location reflects low
biodiversity and abundance of macroinvertebrates
(Onyena, 2019). Lower numbers typically indicate
disturbed ecosystems with low species richness. Shannon
Wiener species diversity index was highest in Iddo and
least in Majidun study stations while Margalef’s species
richness index was highest in Ogudu and least in Unilag
lagoon front study stations.
Table 4: Community Structure of the Benthic Fauna in the Study Area During the of Period of Study
Iddo
Oyigbo
Okobaba
Makoko
Abule
Agege
Unilag
Front
Abule
Eledu
Agboyi
Ogudu
Majidun
Abule
Ogolonto
No. of
Species
8
5
7
7
9
5
7
6
9
6
7
7
No. of
Indiv.
112
77
92
169
218
176
201
61
101
96
193
100
Dominance
0.16
0.28
0.23
0.26
0.29
0.33
0.28
0.24
0.21
0.39
0.27
0.42
Simpson
0.84
0.72
0.77
0.74
0.71
0.67
0.72
0.76
0.79
0.61
0.73
0.58
Shannon
1.94
1.43
1.68
1.57
1.60
1.24
1.54
1.54
1.80
1.18
1.59
1.23
Evenness
0.87
0.83
0.77
0.68
0.55
0.69
0.67
0.77
0.67
0.54
0.70
0.49
Menhinick
0.76
0.57
0.73
0.54
0.61
0.38
0.49
0.77
0.90
0.61
0.50
0.70
Margalef
1.48
0.92
1.33
1.17
1.49
0.77
1.13
1.22
1.73
1.10
1.14
1.30
Equitability
0.93
0.89
0.86
0.81
0.73
0.77
0.79
0.86
0.82
0.66
0.81
0.63
The findings of this study indicate that lower levels of
evenness, Simpson, and Shannon index are indicative of
reduced diversity and less balanced distribution of species
within the community (Onyena et al., 2023).
Physicochemical parameters and substrate type are among
the factors that contribute to the low diversity and
abundance of these organisms (Onyena et al., 2023).
Equitability values of <1 suggest that the
macroinvertebrate species in the study stations were
specific to the location. Differences in habitat quality
across the various locations could have influenced the
specificity and availability of suitable conditions for
different macroinvertebrate species (Carter et al., 2017).
Human activities such as urbanization, industrial
discharges, and agricultural runoff can introduce
pollutants into water bodies, leading to changes in the
diversity indices of macroinvertebrate communities
(Nkwoji et al., 2020; Onyena et al., 2021). The variations
in water quality, including reduced dissolved oxygen
levels, nutrient concentrations, and pollution levels, may
have contributed to the decreased composition and
distribution of macroinvertebrate communities (Luo et al.,
2018; Berger et al., 2017; Xu et al., 2014). Elevated levels
of pollutants in the water bodies can be attributed to the
low macroinvertebrate communities, which may have
been influenced by human activities (Nkwoji et al., 2020;
Onyena et al., 2021). Sedimentation resulting from
increased turbidity may smother benthic organisms, alter
substrate composition, and could have influenced
macroinvertebrate composition (Dunlop et al., 2005).
Overall, the results of this study suggest that human
activities, water quality, and habitat conditions can have
significant impacts on the diversity and distribution of
macroinvertebrate communities in water bodies.
Conclusion
The Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria, amidst its vital ecological
significance, faces significant challenges due to human-
induced stressors. The hydrochemical variations observed
in this study provide valuable insights into the dynamics
of water quality within the Lagos Lagoon. While certain
parameters such as pH and Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
showed significant differences among study stations,
others remained relatively consistent across the sampled
locations. The uniformity in water temperature values
across the lagoon, coupled with variations in pH, salinity,
conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and biological
oxygen demand (BOD), underscores the complex
interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors shaping the
aquatic environment. The findings suggest that human
activities significantly impact water quality parameters.
Elevated levels of pollutants, including organic matter and
sedimentation, may pose challenges to aquatic life,
affecting their habitat suitability and overall health.
Furthermore, the observed variations in macroinvertebrate
composition and abundance reflect the ecological
responses to changes in water quality and habitat
conditions. The reduced diversity and abundance of
macroinvertebrates emphasize the ecological implications
of anthropogenic impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Overall,
this study highlights the intricate relationship between
hydrochemical parameters, macroinvertebrate
communities, and human activities in shaping the

Impact of Some Human Induced Stressors on the Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblage of Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria
FUW Trends in Science & Technology Journal, www.ftstjournal.com
e-ISSN: 24085162; p-ISSN: 20485170; April, 2024: Vol. 9 No. 1 pp. 029 – 037
36
environmental health of the Lagos Lagoon, emphasizing
the need for effective management strategies to mitigate
further degradation and preserve ecosystem integrity.
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