An assessment of water quality and the locals' perception of coastal lagoon pollution in ghana: A case study of chemu lagoon in tema

Abstract

The Chemu lagoon is not immune to pollution through chemical waste contamination, refuse disposals, and untreated household sewage, and hence has been chosen as a case study. This paper aims to assess the lagoon's level of pollution. Chemical analysis of water samples, field observations, and a structured survey questionnaire was used to assess the state of the lagoon. The study revealed that the Chemu lagoon has inferior water quality as most of the parameters evaluated were above the acceptable standards of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Significant differences in concentrations of water quality parameters were established between seasons. The study found that respondents were aware of the lagoon’s polluted state and attributed pollution to siltation and waste dumping. This leads to offensive odour, livelihood losses emphasising a reduction in fishing activities, and outbreaks of diseases in the area. Conclusively, stakeholders have not prioritised mitigating pollution of the lagoon. The study recommends that the Environmental Health and Waste Management Departments of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly intensify house-to-house hygiene education and sanitary inspection in the area. There should be education and sensitisation on proper waste management practices in the area.