NIOMR, UNILAG, Dalhousie University to Investigate Lagos Lagoon’s Nitrogen Cycle

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in collaboration with Dalhousie University, Canada, have embarked on a research to investigate the nitrogen cycle in Lagos Lagoon.

The pan-Atlantic study involves sampling of water and biological specimens within Lagos Lagoon and using inter-comparability of measurements made in the laboratories of NIOMR, UNILAG and Dalhousie University to measure the levels of inorganic nutrients.

The results would help establish a baseline for future monitoring of nitrogen within the Lagos Lagoon and also instigate other research on nutrient dynamics in Nigeria’s aquatic ecosystems.

Speaking in Lagos, just before embarking on a sampling mission, recently, Assistant Director NIOMR, Dr. Juliet Igbo, said the outcome of this research hold the potential to offer crucial insights into the water quality of Lagos Lagoon and its present state of productivity.

According to her, “A first round of sampling for the study took place in December 2022. Collectively, insights from the two sampling missions will play a pivotal role in shaping the formulation and execution of a comprehensive, longer-term sampling and monitoring program.

“This program, in turn, will aid in evaluating and planning strategies to combat water pollution and eutrophication in the Lagoon.”

She underlined that discoveries stemming from this study should function as a wake-up call for immediate and preventative measures by government agencies. 

She explained that eutrophication’s effects stemming from nutrient enrichment in the aquatic environment usually leads to a decline in water quality.

“The resulting deterioration can prove harmful to aquatic organisms and adversely impact the livelihoods of local communities who depend on the lagoon,” she stated.

On his part, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, UNILAG, Dr. Akeem Abayomi, pointed out that the project would shed light on the varied origins of nitrogen within the expanse of the lagoon.

He explained that, “nitrogen infiltrates water bodies like the lagoon through various channels such as agricultural run-offs, unprocessed industrial discharges, household waste, and sewage among others.”

On his part, Prof. Douglas Wallace of Dalhousie University, noted that the research cooperation is off to a great start, with logistical measures now in place, and initial sampling and analysis well underway.

“We express appreciation to UNILAG and NIOMR for making their facilities available for the research project,” he added.

The principal investigator and MSc student at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Dalhousie University, Canada, Mr. Chukwuka Orji, said the project would contribute international collaboration in tackling worldwide pollution challenges.