Spatial and Temporal Variation of the Hydrological Parameters in the Wouri-Nkam Section of the Cameroon Estuary, Central African Atlantic Coast — Oak Academic Publishing
Research ArticleOpen AccessGoogle Scholar indexed
Spatial and Temporal Variation of the Hydrological Parameters in the Wouri-Nkam Section of the Cameroon Estuary, Central African Atlantic Coast
Department of Oceanography of the Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
,
Department of Oceanography of the Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
,
Department of Oceanography of the Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
,
Association for the Conservation of Nature (ASCON), Douala, Cameroon
,
Department of Oceanography of the Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
,
Association for the Conservation of Nature (ASCON), Douala, Cameroon
,
Association for the Conservation of Nature (ASCON), Douala, Cameroon
,
Association for the Conservation of Nature (ASCON), Douala, Cameroon
,
Douala Institute of Technology (IUT), Douala, Cameroon
,
Department of Oceanography of the Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
,
Laboratory of Ecosystems and Aquatic Resources, Douala, Cameroon
,
Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
1 Department of Oceanography of the Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
2 Department of Oceanography of the Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
3 Department of Oceanography of the Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
4 Association for the Conservation of Nature (ASCON), Douala, Cameroon
5 Department of Oceanography of the Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
6 Association for the Conservation of Nature (ASCON), Douala, Cameroon
7 Association for the Conservation of Nature (ASCON), Douala, Cameroon
8 Association for the Conservation of Nature (ASCON), Douala, Cameroon
9 Douala Institute of Technology (IUT), Douala, Cameroon
10 Department of Oceanography of the Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
11 Laboratory of Ecosystems and Aquatic Resources, Douala, Cameroon
12 Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
This study aimed to provide relevant knowledge about the dynamics of the hydrological parameters in the river-estuary continuum of the Wouri-Nkam river estuary for a sustainable management program. The hydrological parameters were recorded in eleven stations spanned out on the bas is of population density and human activities. Water quality parameters (Temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, Total dissolved solutes, Redox potential and conductivity) were collected in subsurface water using a multiple parameter. Surface currents and morphometric (depth and width) parameters were recorded using a drifter, sonar depth and GPS. The field measurements took placed between 18/05/2019 to 08/09/2020 and were divided into six (06) cruises. The data were later subjected to an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Principle Component Analysis using XLSTAT 2017 (2.7 version) software. Results obtained revealed that, the water quality parameters were spatially more stable no t signficant at (df = 9, p < 0.05) with a relatively low temperature (25.5 ° C - 27 ° C) during the wet period. The limit of the frontal zone extended to S5 (Bonalokan, 8.25 km from S1) during the snapshot of the dry period, spring phase and flood tide conditions. Inversely, during wet period, this extension reduced to S1 (Bridge) and relatively increases slightly to S3 (Bonangang) during the neap phase and ebb tides of this season. This result revealed a change in the axial gradient of about eight (08) and four (04) kilometers during the seasonal and tidal scales (lunar and diurnal periods) respectively. These changes were also accompanied by changes in the water quality signatures, that may affect the fishery distribution and compositions. However, futures studies to buttress the results of this investigation should focus on longer time series sampling methods and model developments.
KeywordsHydrological ParametersWater QualityLunar/Diurnal Tidal RegimePrinciple Component Analysis (PCA) and Wouri-Nkam River
Sabater, S. and Stevenson, R.J. (2010) Foreword: Global Change and River Ecosystems—Implication for Structure, Function and Ecosystem Services. In: Stevenson, R.J. and Sabater, S., Eds., Global Change and River Ecosystems—Implications for Structure, Function and Ecosystem Service, Vol. 215. Springer, Dordrecht, 1-2. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0608-8_1
Fantong, W.Y., Kamtchueng, B.T., Ketchemen-Tandia, B., Kuitcha, D., Ndjama, J., Fouepe, T.A., Gloria, E., Takem Mengnjo, I., Wirmvem, J., Bopda Djomou, L.S., Ako, A.A., Nkeng, G.E., Kusakabe, M. and Ohba, T. (2016) Variation of Hydrogeochemical Characteristics of Water in Surface Flows, Shallow Wells, and Boreholes in the Coastal City of Douala (Cameroon). Hydrological Sciences Journal, 61, 2916-2929. https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2016.1173789
Davies, O.A. and Ugwumba, O.A. (2013) Tidal Influence on Nutrients Status and Phytoplankton Population of Okpoka Creek, Upper Bonny Estuary, Nigeria. Journal of Marine Biology, 2013, Article ID: 684739. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/684739
Freeman, L.A., Miller, A.J., Norris, R.D. and Smith, J.E. (2012) Classification of Remote Pacific Coral Reefs by Physical Oceanographic Environment. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 117, Article No. C02007. https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JC007099
Pierce, D.W., Gleckler, P.J., Barnett, T.P., Santer, B.D. and Durack, P.J. (2012) The Fingerprint of Human-Induced Changes in the Ocean’s Salinity and Temperature Fields. Geophysical Research Letters, 39, Article No. L21704. https://doi.org/10.1029/2012GL053389
Dolgopolova, E.N. and Isupova, M.V. (2010) Classification of Estuaries by Hydrodynamic Processes. Water Resources, 37, 268-284. https://doi.org/10.1134/S0097807810030024
Azevedo, I.C., Duarte, P.M. and Bordalo, A.A. (2006) Pelagic Metabolism of the Douro Estuary (Portugal) Factors Controlling Primary Production. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 69, 133-146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2006.04.002
Kimmerer, W. (2002) Effects of Freshwater Flow on Abundance of Estuarine Organisms: Physical Effects or Trophic Linkages? Marine Ecology-Progress Series, 243, 39-55. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps243039
Maes, C., Dewitte, B., Sudre, J., Garcon, V. and Varillon, D. (2013) Small-Scale Features of Temperature and Salinity Surface Fields in the Coral Sea. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 118, 5426-5438. https://doi.org/10.1002/jgrc.20344
Tyler, M.A., Coats, D.W. and Anderson, D.M. (1982) Encysament in a Dynamic Environment: Deposition of Dynoflagellate Cysts by a Frontal Convergence. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 7, 163-178. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps007163
Toole, J.M. and McDougall, T.J. (2001) Chap. 5.2 Mixing and Stirring in the Ocean Interior, in Ocean Circulation and Climate. International Geophysics, 77, 337-355. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0074-6142(01)80127-3
Ridgway, K.R. and Dunn, J.R. (2003) Mesoscale Structure of the Mean East Australian Current System and Relationship with Topography. Progress in Oceanography, 56, 189-222. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0079-6611(03)00004-1
Jewell, P.W., Stallard, R.F. and Mellor, G.L. (1993) Numerical Studies of Bottom Shear Stress and Sediment Distribution on the Amazon Continental Shelf. Journal of Sedimentary Petrology, 63, 734-745. https://doi.org/10.1306/D4267C7B-2B26-11D7-8648000102C1865D
Nikiema, O., Devenon, J. and Baklouti, M. (2007) Numerical Modelling of the Amazon River Plume. Continental Shelf Research, 27, 873-899. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csr.2006.12.004
Fontes, R.F.C., Castro, B.M. and Beardsley, R.C. (2008) Numerical Study of Circulation on the Inner Amazon Shelf. Ocean Dynamics, 58, Article No. 187. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10236-008-0139-4
Olivry, J.C. (1974) Regime hydrologique du fleuve Wouri et estimation des apports recus par l’estuaire et la mangrove du Wouri. Office de la recherche scientifique et technique outre-mer, ORSTOM. Republique unie du Cameroun, 60 p.
Onguene, R., Pemha, E., Lyard, F., Du-Penhoat, Y., Nkoue, G., Duhaut, T., Njeugna, E., Marsaleix, P., Mbiake, R., Jombe, S. and Allain, D. (2015) Overview of Tide Characteristics in the Cameroon Coastal Areas Using Recent Oberservations. Open Journal of Marine Sciences, 5, 81-98. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojms.2015.51008
Ndongo, B., Lako, M.S., Awe Tirmou, A.A., Ntankouo, N.R. and Moukouri Dalle, J.D. (2015) Tendances pluviometriques et impact de la maree sur le trainage en zone d’estuaire: Cas du wouri au Cameroun. Afrique Science, 11, 173-183.
Fotsi Fossi, Y., Brenon, I., Pouvreau, N., Onguene, O., Yann, F., Njombe, D., Thibault, C. and Etame, J. (2020) Dynamique du maximu de turbidité dans le système estuarien du Wouri (Cameroun). XVIemes Journées national du Génie Cotier-Genie Civil, Le Havre, 8-10 December 2020, 221-232. https://doi.org/10.5150/jngcgc.2020.025
Mbusnum, K.G., Malleret, L., Deschamps, P, Khabouchi, I., Asia, L., Lebarillier, S., et al. (2020) Persistent Organic Pollutants in Sediments of the Wouri Estuary Mangrove, Cameroon: Levels, Patterns and Ecotoxicological Significance. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 160, Article ID: 111542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111542
Olinga, O.J.M. (2011) Vulnerability of Urban Spaces and Local Strategies for Sustainable Development. Case Study of the City of Douala. Research Laboratory, Planning and Sustainable Development, University of Derby, Derby, 161 p.
Willy, S.E. (2016) Analyse de la vulnérabilité du littoral du Wouri: Cartographie des zones à risques d’inondation à Douala. Mémoire d’ingénieur Halieute de l’Institut des sciences halieutiques de l’université de Douala.
Koutitonsky, V. (2005) Oceanographic Sensors for the Environmental Monitoring System of the Douala Autonomous Harbour. Technical Report, Hydrosorft, S.A., Saint-Zotique.
Allen, G.P., Salomon, J.C., Bassoullet, P., Du Penhoat, Y. and De Grandpre, C. (1980) Effects of Tides on Mixing and Suspended Sediments Transport in Microtidal Estuaries. Sedimentary Geology, 26, 69-90. https://doi.org/10.1016/0037-0738(80)90006-8
Bennasser, L. (1997). Diagnose de l’état de l’environnement dans la plaine du Gharb: suivi de la macro-pollution et ses incidences sur la qualité hydrochimique et biologique du bas Sebou. Thèse de doctorat d’état es science. Université Ibn Tofail, Kénitra, Maroc, 157 p.
El Morhit, M., Fekhaoui, M., Serghini, A., El Blidi, S., El Abidi, A., Bennaakam, R., Yahyaoui, A. and Jbilou, M. (2008) Impact de l’aménagement hydraulique sur la qualité des eaux et des sédiments de l’estuaire du Loukkos (cote atlantique, Maroc). Bulletin de l’Institut Scientifique, Rabat, section sciences de la terre, No. 30, 39-47.
Boutin, J., Martin, N., Reverdin G., Yin, X. and Gaillard, F. (2013) Sea Surface Freshening Inferred from SMOS and ARGO Salinity: Impact of Rain. Ocean Science, 9, 183-192. https://doi.org/10.5194/os-9-183-2013
Rossi, N. (2008) Ecologie des communautés planctoniques méditerranéennes et étude des métaux lourds (Cuivre, Plomb, Cadmium) dans déférents compartiments de deux écosystèmes cotiers (Toulon, France). These de doctorat de L’université du Sud Toulon-Var.
DWAF (Department of Water Affaires and Forestry) (1996) South Africans Water Guidelines. Vol. 7, Department of Water Affaires and Forestry, Pretoria.
Matthews, A.J., Baranowski, D.B., Heywood, K.J., Flatau, P.J. and Schmidtko, S. (2014) The Surface Diurnal Warm Layer in the Indian Ocean during CINDY/DYNAMO. Journal of Climate, 27, 9101-9122. https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-14-00222.1
Hoagland, P., Beet, A., Ralston, D., Parsons, G., Shirazi, Y. and Car, E. (2020) Salinity Intrusion in a Modified River-Estuary System: An Integrated Modeling Framework for Source-to-Sea Management. Frontiers in Marine Science, 7, Article No. 425. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00425
El Morhit, M. and Latifa, M. (2014) Study of Physico-Chimical Parameters of Water in the Loukkos River Estuary (Larache, Morocco). Environmental Systems Research, 3, Article No. 17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40068-014-0017-7
MacCready, P. and Geyer, W.R. (2010) Advances in Estuarine Physics. Annual Review of Marine Science, 2, 35-58. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-marine-120308-081015
Lajaunie-Salla, K. (2016) Modélisation de la dynamique de l’oxygène dissous dans l’estuaire de la Gironde. Sciences de la Terre. Thèse de doctorat phD, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux.
Alpine, A.E. and Cloern, J.E. (1992) Trophic Interactions and Direct Physical Effects Control Phytoplankton Biomass and Production in an Estuary. Limnology and Oceanography, 37, 946-955. https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.1992.37.5.0946
Chicharo, M.A., Chicharo, L. and Morais, P. (2006) Inter-Annual Differences of Ichthyofauna Structure of the Guadiana Estuary and Adjacent Coastal Area (SE Portugal/SW Spain): Before and after Alqueva Dam Construction. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 70, 39-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2006.05.036
Gerardi, M.H. (2007) ORP Management in Waste Water as an Indicator of Processes Efficiency. YSI Environmental Application Note. New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), Newsletter Interstate Water Reports. YSI Inc., Yellow Springs.
Akpan, E.R., Offem, J.O. and Nya, A.E. (2002) Baseline Ecological Studies of the Great Kwa River, Nigeria 1: Physic Chemical Studies. Africans Journal of Environmental Pollution and Health, 1, 83-90.
Udoessien, E.I. (2003) Basic Principles of Environmental Sciences. Etiliew International Publishers, Uyo Nigeria, 339 p.
Hume, T.M. and Bell, G.R. (1993) Methods for Determining Tidal Flow and Material Fluxes in Estuaries Cross-Sections. Water Quality Centre Publication No. 22, Water Quality Centre, Hamilton.
Bang, G.E., Nwuith, A.G., BitjaNyom, A.R., Besack, F., Essome, C.M.M., La Fortune Fouegap, B. and Eyango, M.T.-T. (2020) Study of the Composition and Determination of the Micro-Algal Content in the Stomach of Clams (Bivalvia: Veneridae) of the Nkam-Wouri River Basin in Cameroon. International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies, 7, 105-113.
Gillet, P. (1986) Contribution à l’étude écologique des Annélides Polychètes de l’estuaire du Bou Regreg (Maroc). Thèse de 3 ème cycle, Université d’Aix-Marseille (France), 215 p.
Rabalais, N.N., Levin, L.A., Turner, R.E., Gilbert, D. and Zhang, J. (2010) Dynamics and Distribution of Natural and Human-Caused Coastal Hypoxia. Biogeosciences, 7, 585-619. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-7-585-2010
United Nation for Education Scientific and Cultural Organization and the world health Organization (1978) Water Quality Survey. Reports in Hydrology, No. 23, United Nation for Education Scientific and Cultural Organization and the world health Organization, Paris.