Phytoplankton as Bioindicators of Water Quality in Kazaure Reserviour, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The present study assessed Phytoplankton as bioindicators of water quality in Kazaure reserviour, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Systematic sampling technique was employed to assess the condition of the water. The findings of the study revealed that the water condition supports the water community, comprising of thirty (30) phytoplankton species, representing four (4) major taxa in order of; Chlorophyta>Bacillariophyta>Cyanophyta> Euglenophyta . However the study identified a total of 11 pollution tolerant genera following Palmer organic pollution list including: Cyclotella sp., Gomphonema sp., Nitzchia sp., Synedra sp., Navicula sp., Scenedesmus sp., Ankistrodesmus sp., Oscillatoria sp., Euglena sp., Lepocincilis sp. and Phacus sp. The species collectively accounted for pollution index value of 29, indicating enriched water with high organic pollution, associated with warning signs of eutrophication in fresh water aquatic system. The study therefore recommends the need for sensitisation by relevant authourities to water users on the impact of contamination from detergents and others on the phytoplankton species and the overall condition of the water.