Introduction: Contaminants generated from different human
activities combine to pose stress on the benthic
macroinvertebrates and alter their community structure.
Aim: To evaluate the impacts of human activities on the Lagos
lagoon, by examining changes in abundance and diversity of
benthic macroinvertebrates.
Materials and Methods: Eight sampling points with varying
human impacts along the edges of the Lagos lagoon were
investigated monthly between September 2020 and February
2021, for the effects of human-induced stress on the abundance
and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in the study area.
Water and benthic macroinvertebrates were collected monthly
using Hydrobios Water Sampler and Van-Veen grab respectively,
and analysed in the laboratory using standard methods.
Results: The hydrochemistry of the stations differed significantly
(P<0.05), with the exception of temperature. A total of 1390
individuals, comprising twelve species, eleven genera, six orders,
four classes and three phyla were recorded. The benthic
macroinvertebrates assemblage was dominated by relatively
pollution-sensitive and tolerant species such as Tympanotonus
fuscatus and Nereis diversicolor. There was a generally low
abundance and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in the
study area, and this may be attributed to the combined impact of
different anthropogenic activities in the study area. The low
abundance and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates indicate
an overall decline in water quality and ecosystem health.
Conclusion: This highlights the need for better management of
anthropogenic activities in the area, to maintain a healthy aquatic
environment.