Hydrochemistry and phytoplankton composition of two tidal creeks in South-Western Nigeria.

As in other countries, the effects of human stressors on coastal areas and waters in Nigeria are increasing, and management strategies are urgent. In order to assess this, studies on phytoplankton composition in relation to physico-chemical characteristic of two tidal creeks in Lagos were conducted for six months (October 2007 to March 2008). Variations in some of the physical and chemical parameters such as rainfall, temperature, salinity, nitrate-nitrogen, phosphate-phosphorus, sulphate, salinity, biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand influenced the phytoplankton abundance. Three major divisions were recorded for the two creeks: Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta and Cyanophyta. Among these, diatoms were the most abundant group observed. Water quality characteristics reflected the effect of tidal influence and consequent salt water inflow, fresh water incursion and the pollution status of one of the creeks, as a result of industrial and commercial activities in the area.