Title: Use of Remote Sensing in Aquatic Ecological Studies in Nigeria: A Review
Authors: +Bubu-Davies
O.A.
Jethro
B.
Volume: 10
Issue: 5
Pages: 159-165
Publication Date: 2026/05/28
Abstract:
Remote sensing has emerged as a transformative tool for monitoring aquatic ecosystems in Nigeria, where traditional in-situ methods are often limited by accessibility, cost, and the vast scale of habitats such as the Niger Delta mangroves, Lagos Lagoon, southern wetlands, and shared water bodies like Lake Chad. This systematic review synthesizes Nigeria specific literature (primarily 2006-2025) on the application of satellite-based remote sensing for mapping, monitoring, and assessing ecological parameters in these systems. Following PRISMA guidelines, searches across academic databases yielded approximately 80 initial records; after screening for relevance, peer-review status, and explicit focus on Nigerian aquatic environments (mangroves, lagoons, wetlands, oil-impacted zones, and inland waters), 25 core studies were included. Key applications include mangrove change detection and invasive species mapping (Nypa fruticans encroachment), wetland extent and fragmentation assessment using Sentinel data, water quality parameter retrieval (chlorophyll-a in Lagos Lagoon), and detection of oil spill impacts on vegetation and coastal habitats in the Niger Delta. Sensors predominantly featured Landsat series, Sentinel-1/2, and earlier platforms like NigeriaSat-1, with methods ranging from vegetation indices (NDVI, SAVI) and machine learning classifiers (Random Forest) to Google Earth Engine (GEE) processing. Findings reveal significant mangrove conversion (rapid Nypa expansion), wetland coverage of about 29,924 kmē in southern Nigeria with notable fragmentation, and spectral detection of oil-induced vegetation stress. Remote sensing offers cost-effective, synoptic coverage for inaccessible areas but faces challenges from cloud cover, sensor resolution, and validation needs. The review highlights research gaps in multiple sensor fusion, long-term recovery monitoring, and integration with climate adaptation strategies. Recommendations emphasize scaling high resolution Sentinel and AI approaches to support sustainable management of Nigeria's aquatic ecosystems amid oil pollution, urbanization, and climate pressures. This synthesis underscores remote sensing's critical role in achieving national biodiversity and water quality goals.