PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF WATER AND SEDIMENTS OF LAKE MAGA, CAMEROON

The study is aimed at evaluating the pollution of Lake Maga (Cameroon), the main water source for agricultural, livestock and domestic activities of the population of the sub-division. The physico-chemical properties of water
and sediments from four different locations covering approximately the entire length of the Lake were assessed. Two of these points harbor most water of the Lake with heavy activities while two others are the extreme north and south ends of the Lake with little water but with lots of mud but with very little activities. Parameters such as pH, TDS, electrical conductivity, Total Hardness, Chloride, iron had values of 6.87-7.58, 64.6-127.8 mg L–1, 89.61-182.6 μS cm–1, 75-95 mg L–1, 17.3 mg L–1 and 0.12-3.56 mg L–1 for Lake water and 6.45-7.39, 51.7-198 mg L–1, 74.7-118 μS cm–1, 90-160 mg L–1, 17.3 and 0.73-3.03 mg L–1 for sediments respectively. Results show that most of the parameters studied were within acceptable limits as defined by WHO standards except for total hardness and total iron. Values of total iron were higher for sediments of points which harboured less amount of water stemming from dominance of rich clay soil at these points. These results show that this Lake is not so polluted and is safe for its aquatic organisms and the local population using it for their different activities. However, for consumption purposes it’s recommended that some disinfection should be carried out prior to use. The Government and local council should regulate the activities on and around the Lake for its sustainability.