Assessment of water pollution and biodiversity change of the Muni-Pomadze lagoon and its catchment in Winneba, Ghana

Abstract

The study sought to investigate water pollution and biodiversity change of the muni- Pomadze lagoon and its catchment in Winneba, Ghana. This is an onsite study hence much of the data were taken in the form of water samples. This notwithstanding, the views of the residents in and around the lagoon and the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission were sought hence purposive sampling technique was used to select fifteen (15) participants. Content analysis were also done to validate the responses obtained from the field. The research instruments used for the study were in-depth interview guide, field observations, content analysis, field measurements of physical parameters in-situ, as well as photographs taken on the field. All the parameters tested in the Muni catchment were within the threshold provided by WHO and USEPA with the catchment having WQI range of (51-70) all of fair water quality in the wet season. For the dry season, the WQI values for Muni lagoon and Ntakofa were within (26-50) being good water quality with Pratu having an excellent water quality. It was revealed that, there have been great decline in biodiversity which has affected the socio-economic lives of people who depend on the lagoon. Radio, community and outreach programs. are carried out on routine basis to ensure effective management. It can be concluded that, anthropogenic activities determined greatly the water quality index and status of pollution in the study area more than nature does. It is recommended that, there should be a thorough and continuous monthly water quality assessment of the Muni catchment as well as continuous collaborative governance model bringing all stakeholders together to manage the Muni catchment.