Ecological Studies on Water Catchments in Limbe Municipality, Cameroon

Abstract

The overall objective of this study was to determine the ecological status of some freshwater resources in Limbe Municipality with respect to land use land cover changes, water and soil quality. Ecological surveys were carried out to assess the impact of land use and land cover changes on the water quality of some water catchments in Limbe municipality. Satellite images were acquired and processed from 2000 and 2020. A pixel-based comparison was used to produce change information and thus, interpret the changes more efficiently. Classified image pairs of data for two different decades were compared using cross-tabulation to determine qualitative and quantitative aspects of the changes for the periods from 2000 to 2020. Quantitative data of the overall land use changes as well as gains and losses in each category were then compiled. Water samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical parameters, bacteriological parameters and heavy metals using standard procedures. High concentrations of phosphates were detected in all 3 streams. High concentrations of total nitrogen were detected only in Ngonde stream, with ammonium exceeding safe limits. Nickel and cadmium were above the WHO standards. Bacteriological parameters were found to be high in all water bodies. Urban agriculture and settlement were the main human activities that affected water quality in the Limbe Municipality. Given the vital ecosystem services offered by these catchments, continuous monitoring is recommended and likewise the strict implementation of laws governing the use and management of aquatic resources in Cameroon.