Ecological Impacts of Swamp Reclamation: Evidence from Soil, Water, and Biodiversity in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Swamp reclamation has risen significantly in several developing areas of the Niger Delta. This increase has raised concerns about its environmental impact. This study assessed the effect of swamp reclamation on soil physicochemical properties, water quality, and biodiversity in selected parts of Rivers State. A comparative field study was carried out between natural and reclaimed swamp sites. Soil samples were obtained, prepared and analysed for some physicochemical parameters such as pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus, while water samples were obtained, prepared and assessed for dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, turbidity, and nitrate concentration using standard analytical methods. Biodiversity assessment was conducted on terrestrial and aquatic macroinvertebrate communities, and diversity indices were computed to evaluate ecological variation between sites. Statistical analyses, including One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation, were used to establish significant differences and relationships among the measured variables. The results showed that natural swamps generally possessed higher nutrient content, better water quality conditions, and greater biodiversity compared with reclaimed swamps. On the other hand, reclaimed swamps revealed signs of environmental disturbance which may be due to altered soil properties, reduced dissolved oxygen levels, increased turbidity,  biochemical oxygen demand, and decreased levels of species diversity. The findings buttressed the ecological impacts of swamp reclamation and state the importance of sustainably managing wetland. The study reco that effective environmental regulation and conservation strategies should be put in place to overcome the adverse effects of reclamation and ensure the long-term ecological integrity of wetland ecosystems in Rivers State.