Buguma Creek, a brackish waterbody in the Niger Delta region, is known for supporting fisheries and aquaculture operations while being subject to increasing anthropogenic pollution. This study assessed spatial and temporal variation in physicochemical parameters and nutrients, and evaluated ecological implications using correlation analysis, the Single Factor Index, the Nemerow Pollution Index, and the Water Pollution Index. Surface water was sampled monthly at three stations from April to September 2023 and analysed using APHA methods. Spatially, EC, DO, BOD, COD, phosphate and nitrate ranged from 1140.83–1695.83 µS/cm, 3.93–4.80, 2.73–5.84, 4.16–10.82, 3.86–7.62 and 2.63–4.76 mg/L, respectively. Most parameters were within guideline limits; however, BOD, phosphate and sulphate exceeded limits, particularly at Station 2. NPI classified Stations 1 and 2 as slightly polluted, while Station 3 was clean. Although WPI classified all stations as Class II, Buguma Creek shows localised organic and nutrient stress, rather than being entirely unaffected ecologically, and therefore requires targeted monitoring and waste-control measures to protect fisheries and ecosystem function.
Keywords: Buguma Creek; Niger Delta., Water Quality, ecological stress, nutrient enrichment, organic pollution
