Physicochemical parameters and plankton diversity in water from selected ponds within Makurdi Metropolis

Abstract

Physicochemical parameters and plankton diversity in water from five (5) selected ponds was investigated. In the investigation, some physicochemical parameters of water, the composition and abundance of plankton were determined. Some of the parameters include temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates and phosphate. The samples were collected and transported to the laboratory of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi for analysis. The preserved plankton samples were observed using a digital Celestron compound microscope and digital Celestron cosmos dissecting microscope. A combination of keys and guides provided were used for identification of the plankton species. A total of 13 different plankton species, with a total abundance of 308 were observed. The most abundant species was Chlorella vulgaris with an abundance of 85 and was observed in all three pond types. This was followed by Scenedesmus acutus (45) which was observed only in the concrete and liner ponds. Paramecium was next and was observed only in the earthen and concrete ponds. The rest of the plankton species were observed in only one pond type. The physicochemical parameters for the selected earthen, concrete and liner ponds were also selected. The pH and dissolved oxygen were observed to be higher in the concrete pond and lowering the liner pond. The electrical conductivity and total dissolved solid were however lower in the concrete pond and higher in the earthen pond, both the temperature and turbidity were higher in the liner pond and lower in the earthen pond. The phosphate concentration was also higher in the linear pond and lower in the earthen pond, while the concentration of Nitrite was equal in both earthen and concrete pond with no amount observed in the liner pond.