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<p>Coastal lagoons are ecologically and socioeconomically valuable ecosystems, yet they are highly vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures. This study assessed the ecological quality of the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site (KLCRS), Ghana, by integrating water physicochemical parameters, sediment characteristics, and benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Water physicochemical parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, conductivity, turbidity, pH, nutrients, and chlorophyll-a) and sediment properties (mean particle size and organic matter) were measured monthly across five communities (Anloga, Atiavi, Fiaxor, Havedzi, and Tegbi) from January to July 2022. Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled and evaluated using biotic indices (AMBI, Bentix) alongside multivariate analyses. The results showed significant spatial and temporal variation in water quality. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 4.87 to 6.78&#xa0;mg/L, while nitrate concentration was highest at 16.37&#xa0;mg/L in March. Turbidity was highest at Atiavi (26.22 ± 5.94 NTU), reflecting localized anthropogenic influence. Sediments were predominantly coarse to very coarse sand, with organic matter content influencing benthic macroinvertebrates distributions. Benthic communities were dominated by molluscs and polychaetes, with tolerant taxa dominant at sites with higher nutrient and turbidity levels. AMBI and Bentix indices classified Anloga and Fiaxor as slightly disturbed, while Tegbi and Havedzi were moderately disturbed, reflecting farming and salt-mining impacts. Canonical correspondence analysis identified nitrate, phosphate, turbidity, DO, and sediment texture as the main drivers of benthic community patterns. The findings highlight that while the Keta Lagoon remains ecologically functional, it is increasingly threatened by nutrient enrichment, organic matter loading, and habitat alteration. The study emphasizes the importance of integrated monitoring approaches that combine physico-chemical and biological indicators. Strengthening nutrient management, sediment stabilization, and community-based ecological monitoring are recommended to protect biodiversity and sustain the lagoon’s ecosystem services.</p>

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Ecological quality assessment of the Keta Lagoon, Ghana: integrating water quality, sediment quality, and benthic macroinvertebrates

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年8月5日

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  • Dormarine Kwaboah Tuffour,
  • Paul Kojo Mensah,
  • Margaret Fafa Awushie Akwetey

摘要

Coastal lagoons are ecologically and socioeconomically valuable ecosystems, yet they are highly vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures. This study assessed the ecological quality of the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site (KLCRS), Ghana, by integrating water physicochemical parameters, sediment characteristics, and benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Water physicochemical parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, conductivity, turbidity, pH, nutrients, and chlorophyll-a) and sediment properties (mean particle size and organic matter) were measured monthly across five communities (Anloga, Atiavi, Fiaxor, Havedzi, and Tegbi) from January to July 2022. Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled and evaluated using biotic indices (AMBI, Bentix) alongside multivariate analyses. The results showed significant spatial and temporal variation in water quality. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 4.87 to 6.78 mg/L, while nitrate concentration was highest at 16.37 mg/L in March. Turbidity was highest at Atiavi (26.22 ± 5.94 NTU), reflecting localized anthropogenic influence. Sediments were predominantly coarse to very coarse sand, with organic matter content influencing benthic macroinvertebrates distributions. Benthic communities were dominated by molluscs and polychaetes, with tolerant taxa dominant at sites with higher nutrient and turbidity levels. AMBI and Bentix indices classified Anloga and Fiaxor as slightly disturbed, while Tegbi and Havedzi were moderately disturbed, reflecting farming and salt-mining impacts. Canonical correspondence analysis identified nitrate, phosphate, turbidity, DO, and sediment texture as the main drivers of benthic community patterns. The findings highlight that while the Keta Lagoon remains ecologically functional, it is increasingly threatened by nutrient enrichment, organic matter loading, and habitat alteration. The study emphasizes the importance of integrated monitoring approaches that combine physico-chemical and biological indicators. Strengthening nutrient management, sediment stabilization, and community-based ecological monitoring are recommended to protect biodiversity and sustain the lagoon’s ecosystem services.