Seasonal dynamics of the phytoplankton in relation to environmental variables in Nguru Lake, Northeastern Nigeria
Paper Details
Seasonal dynamics of the phytoplankton in relation to environmental variables in Nguru Lake, Northeastern Nigeria
Abstract
Studies were conducted in Nguru Lake between May 2006 and April 2008 to map temporal changes in phytoplankton composition and attempt to relate these changes to environmental parameters in this ecosystem. Twenty five phytoplankton genera were recorded. Green algae (Chlorophyta) were the most dominant contributing 46% of the total biomass followed by blue green algae-Cyanophyta(29%), diatoms-Bacillariophyta(22%) and finally the Dinophyta(2%). Seasonal changes were observed for the three major plant nutrients total phosphorus (PO4-P) ranged from 5.2 -9.6mg/l. Total nitrogen (NO3-N) ranged from 2.4-12.8mg/l and sulphates ranged from 1.0-10.1mg/l. wide variations in environmental variables were observed in the lake. Results obtained in this study showed that the lake was undergoing gradual eutrophication resulting in deterioration of water quality, The eutrophication was further aggravated by increasing human and livestock population.
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