River Benue Research Articles

Assessing the Hydrological Impacts of Climate Change on the Upper Benue River Basin in Nigeria: Trends, Relationships, and Mitigation Strategies

The impact of climate change on river systems is a multifaceted threat to the environment, affecting various aspects of ecosystems. The Upper Benue River Basin (UBRB) in Nigeria is an area of concern, as river flow and water levels are crucial for irrigation and transportation. In this study, we investigate the impact of climate change on the hydrology of the UBRB using data on rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, river discharge, and water level. Trend, correlation, and stepwise regression analyses were conducted using Excel and SPSS 20 to analyze the data. The results indicate that the UBRB is experiencing climate change, as evidenced by annual decreases in rainfall and relative humidity and increases in maximum and minimum temperatures. Specifically, mean annual rainfall and relative humidity exhibit a negative trend, while the maximum and minimum temperature exhibit a positive trend. Furthermore, we found that rainfall and relative humidity have a significant positive relationship with river discharge and level (p < 0.01), whereas maximum temperature and wind speed have a significant negative relationship with water discharge and level. We also identified wind speed and rainfall as the critical climatic indices influencing river discharge, accounting for 21.7% of the variation in river discharge within the basin (R2 = 21.7). Based on these findings, we conclude that increases in rainfall and relative humidity will lead to significant increases in river discharge and level, while increases in wind speed and maximum temperature will decrease river discharge and level. Moreover, wind speed and rainfall are the critical climatic indices influencing river discharge, whereas relative humidity, wind speed, and rainfall are the critical climatic indices influencing water level. Thus, we recommend constructing more reservoirs (dams) to mitigate the negative trend in rainfall and encourage climate change control, such as afforestation among the population of the region. These findings have important implications for understanding the impact of climate change on river systems and developing effective strategies to mitigate its effects.

Evolutionary Trends in the Landscape of Hausa Open Spaces

This study took the ‘origin-pattern-function’ of landscape progression as the central theoretical framework and conducted a systematic study on the evolution of open-space landscape patterns in Habe cities, situated between the river Niger and the river Benue in northern Nigeria. This study aimed to explore the embedded landscape cosmology in Hausaland and the origins of its historic mythology. A descriptive research and review approach was adopted, to explain and interpret prevailing practices, existing circumstances, attitudes, reasons, and on-going processes. It unveils the planning of open spaces and houses according to an ancient cosmology that organized towns during the Habe Hausa Dynasty. The open spaces appear to be a sphere of convergent and divergent forces that maintain a delicate balance, whereas the outcrop hills of central Hausaland are domicile places with religious appeal and better defensibility. Further, the physical effects of Islamic influence are visible in the landscape of Hausa cities, such as locating a mosque in the heart of the city as well spatial expressions of the practice of the seclusion of women. The study also revealed that the concept of triple outdoor space in the landscape of Habe cities is identical with that of the traditional Hausa family dwellings enclosed by a compound wall with a gate. This paper presents the key enablers of the Hausa cities’ transformation into commercial, administrative, religious, and agricultural centers. It recommends that in the event of landscape development without certain public guidelines or natural practices, complicated mediation measures should be invoked if disorder is not to prevail. It finally seeks a comprehensive application of local practices and innovative methods with the aim of averting vulnerability of urbanization.

Heavy metals variations in organs of Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia dageti from landing sites at lower Benue River, Ibi, Taraba, Nigeria

Heavy metals variations in organs of Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia dageti from landing sites at lower Benue River, Ibi, Taraba, Nigeria

Investigation of heavy metals in water and sediment from contamination sites between Rimi and Kabawa axis, lower Benue River, Ibi, Taraba, Nigeria

Investigation of heavy metals in water and sediment from contamination sites between Rimi and Kabawa axis, lower Benue River, Ibi, Taraba, Nigeria

Haematology and biochemistry of Clarias gariepinus from rivers benue and donga as biomarkers of environmental pollution

The study sought to assess the haematological and biochemical alteration in Clarias gariepinus as environmental contamination biomarkers in rivers Benue and Donga. water samples were taken for physiochemical examination while fish blood was obtained for haematological and biochemical analysis using a Haemacytometer. When compared to the reference standard there was a substantial (P>0.05) difference in the RBC of the C. gariepinus in both rivers, but no difference in the WBC, HB, PCV, MCV and MCHC. However, there were no statistically significant (P0.05) difference in the ALT, ALP, AST and glucose levels of C. gariepinus in either river. The ALT, ALP and glucose levels of C. gariepinus in both rivers differed from the reference standard. Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and nitrate levels were higher in Benue river than in the Donga River, but ammonia levels were higher in the Donga river. As a result of these finding, it is possible that Benue river is more polluted than the Donga river, and the C. gariepinus in Donga river is healthier than those in the Benue river. Hence, adequate water management and pollution control should be implemented to halt the flow of the Benue river.

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in water and sediments at Motor Park and new bridge areas, lower River Benue, Ibi, Taraba, Nigeria

Heavy metals concentration in water and sediment was investigated at the Motor Park Area and New Bridge Site of lower River Benue, Ibi, Taraba State. The heavy metals levels were examined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) Buck Scientific model 210 VGP using spectrophotometry techniques. The highest mean concentration of Zn recorded in the sediment at the Motor Park Area was 0.55 mg/kg while the lowest value of 0.004 mg/kg was recorded for Cr at the Motor Park Area. The highest mean concentration of Mn recorded in the water was 0.375 mg/l at New Bridge Site while the lowest value of 0.00 mg/l was recorded for Cu. Values for Cu, Cd, Cr. Cu were generally low throughout the study period. There was no significant difference (p>0.005) in Zn concentrations in sediment at the sampled locations (Motor Park Area and New Bridge Site) throughout the study periods. However, Cr, Cd and Pb show variations (p<0.005) at the sampled locations. The concentration of Mn (0.375 mg/l) was not significantly different (p>0.05) from Mn (0.325 mg/l) in water between the two location, Pb value (0.343 mg/l) of water in December at the New Bridge Site exceeded the WHO recommended safe limit. However, all other metals were within the WHO and FMENV safe limit for portable drinking water. Since Pb value (0.343 mg/l) exceeded the WHO and FMENV safe limit for December. It shows that there is need for continuous monitoring of Lower River Benue waters at Ibi, Taraba State.

Toxicity of Diphenyltin Chloride on viable count of aerobic bacteria from River Benue.

This research was carried out to determine the toxicity of diphenyltin chloride on viable count of freshwater aerobic bacteria. Water samples obtained from a depth of 15 cm at five sampling points along river Benue were spiked with 3 mM of DPTCl to have a duplicate setup of three (3) treatments. Organotin degradation was determined by measuring the decrease in the concentration of DPTCl using an X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometer on days 0, 14, 28, 42, and 56 and the viable count of bacteria was also determined using spread plate technique on MSA. DPTCl concentration was further varied (5 mM, 7 mM and 10 mM) to test levels of toxicity to viable count of bacteria as well as bacterial resistance. patio sequencing technique was used to determine the metagenomics of bacteria species capable of DPTCl degradation from the water samples. Percentage of chemically degraded (40.29%) during the initial two weeks of experiment when the bacterial population was high, was more than the percentage degraded (11.49%) during the last two weeks of the experiment when the biocidal effect of DPTCl had drastically reduced the bacterial population. Of the initial bacterial viable count of 47.2 x 102 that survived the 56 days degradation exercise, only 1.8x101 (0.38%) grew on 7 mM concentration of DPTCl, and none on 10 mM DPTCl. The impact of DPTCl on the viable count of bacteria was statistically significant. Stenotrophomonas spp (29.6%) was the dominant bacterium in DPT degradation, others include; Comamonas spp (9.31%), Microbacterium spp (8.41%) Pseudomonas viridiflava (4.18%), and Stenotrophomonas geniculata (3.46%). Organotins. Diphenyltin though a di-alkyl organotin, is equally a toxic and persistent pollutant that cannot be easily degraded without the use of nutrient amendment. The toxic effect of DPT as demonstrated in this study shows that TPT and other tri-alkyl organotin should not be considered detoxified especially against microorganisms simply because they have been de-alkylated.Sites contaminated by organotins should not be considered remediated until all di and mono alkyl derivatives are completely degraded. Since our natural environments usually have no sufficient nutrient amendments for elimination of pollutants, there is need to engage abiotic processes that can assist the activities of microorganisms in order to speed up remediation process.

Sensitivity and identifiability analysis of a conceptual-lumped model in the headwaters of the Benue River Basin, Cameroon: implications for uncertainty quantification and parameter optimization

Abstract Many hydrological applications employ conceptual-lumped models to support water resource management techniques. This study aims to evaluate the workability of applying a daily time-step conceptual-lumped model, HYdrological MODel (HYMOD), to the Headwaters Benue River Basin (HBRB) for future water resource management. This study combines both local and global sensitivity analysis (SA) approaches to focus on which model parameters most influence the model output. It also identifies how well the model parameters are defined in the model structure using six performance criteria to predict model uncertainty and improve model performance. The results showed that both SA approaches gave similar results in terms of sensitive parameters to the model output, which are also well-identified parameters in the model structure. The more precisely the model parameters are constrained in the small range, the smaller the model uncertainties, and therefore the better the model performance. The best simulation with regard to the measured streamflow lies within the narrow band of model uncertainty prediction for the behavioral parameter sets. This highlights that the simulated discharges agree with the observations satisfactorily, indicating the good performance of the hydrological model and the feasibility of using the HYMOD to estimate long time-series of river discharges in the study area.

Assessment of the Effect of West African Ebony (Diospyros mespiliformis) Seed Extracts on Selected Bacteria of Upper River Benue Surface Water

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of D. mespiliformis; crude seed, mucilage and seed extracts on some surface water quality parameters and total bacteria count. The experiment was design as a factorial experiment in Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Sample water was collected from Upper River Benue in Jimeta Bridge. D. mespiliformis purchased at Jimeta Market, Yola Adamawa State. The water sample was collected in Jerry cans (50 litters) transported to wet laboratory, Department of Fisheries, School Agriculture, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola where the following physico-chemical parameters were analyzed Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolve Solid, Ionic Concentration, Temperature, Biological Oxygen Demand and Turbidity. However, Total Bacterial Count was analyzed from microbiology laboratory of same University. Data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Result obtained shows the effect of D. mespiliformis treated surface water on the Physicochemical Parameters and effect of D. mespiliformis Crude Seed, Mucilage and Seed Extracts on Total Bacteria Count. The following bacteria Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus were used during the studies with E. coli has highest total bacteria count of 233 and 22 recorded lowest in seed extract, B. subtilis recorded it highest of 164 and 42 reveal as lowest in the seed mucilage while S. aureus has highest of 100 with it lowest of 32 recorded in mucilage. Further study on the efficacy of D. mespiliformis crude seed, mucilage and seed extracts on contaminant water treatment should be done.

Public preference of flood-resilient housing technologies in Nigeria: a case study of Kogi State

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore flood-prone area residents' preferences of flood-resilient housing technologies (HTs), to understand the factors influencing their choices. Flood-resilient HTs can reduce damage and disruption at a household level, particularly in areas where large-scale community schemes are not available or feasible. People’s perception of floods and their preferences of flood-resilient HTs are among many very important factors influencing the adoption of these technologies. Therefore, these perceptions and preferences must be well understood before implementation of these technologies can occur. However, studies on these two important factors are lacking in literature, particularly in the sub-Saharan African context. Design/methodology/approach Nigerian residents’ preferences of flood-resilient HTs were explored by focusing on five frequently flooded areas around the Niger and Benue river basins in Kogi State, Nigeria. Thirty-eight chat, video and voice call interviews were conducted with participants across five case study areas: Lokoja, Idah, Bassa, Ajaokuta and Koton Karifi. The interviews, informed through an illustrated brochure, covered residents’ experiences and perceptions of floods. This was done to gain an understanding of the factors influencing the choice of flood-resilient HTs adopted and those preferred. Findings This study confirms that residents in these five focus areas show similar characteristics to other floodplain residents as encapsulated in protection motivation theory. The flood-resilient HTs discussed in this study include flood-avoidance, flood-recoverability and flood-resistance strategies, as well as neighbourhood-scale approaches. Flood-resistance and flood-recoverability strategies rated highly in terms of suitability and envisaged efficiency in mitigating flooding in Kogi State. Although the measures were mostly agreed to be potentially effective and successful on a household scale, there were concerns as to flood mitigation on a neighbourhood scale. Research limitations/implications Pre-existing flood-resilient HTs were not extensively discussed in the literature review but were included to have a sense of the participants’ mitigation behaviour, as well as their potential to adopt (or not) new measures after adopting previous ones. Originality/value The results provide supporting evidence of the factors influencing the choice of and/or intention to adopt flood-resilient HTs, highlighted in literature. Results also contribute to literature by providing further insight into flood-resilient measures already adopted by residents, as well as their preferred HTs from the options presented. The implications of these findings and methodological considerations in this research are fully discussed in this paper.

Flood risk assessment of the river Benue catchment in Adamawa State Nigeria

Floods are one of the most devastating natural disasters that occur globally, causing loss of life and property. Adamawa, a state located in north-eastern Nigeria, is prone to flooding due to its location within the floodplains of the River Benue. The research examines the spatial distribution of flood risk, the role of altitude in determining flood risk levels, and the implications for population exposure. The investigation was carried out in the following local government areas, namely Yola-South, Demsa, Numan, Lamurde, Guyuk, Shelleng and Song. The study used a combination of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) techniques to analyze the flood risks extent and exposure within the catchment. SRTM 30 Meters resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data was used to derive catchment boundaries, stream networks and watershed characteristics. 500 years return period flood hazard raster along with a population raster of the settlements within the region of interest were also used. The findings reveal varying flood risk extents, with areas at lower elevations exhibiting higher flood risks. Additionally, the study identifies specific wards within each locality that are situated in different flood risk zones, highlighting the need for localized flood risk assessments. The results demonstrate a correlation between flood risk levels and the percentage of the population exposed to these risks. The study aligns with existing literature on flood risk, altitude, and population vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of considering these factors in flood risk management strategies. The findings contribute to a better understanding of flood risk patterns and can guide policymakers and stakeholders in implementing targeted interventions and developing effective disaster response plans. However, it is essential to contextualize the findings within the specific study areas and complement them with site-specific assessments and further research.

ANALYSIS OF IMPACT OF RAINFALL AND TEMPERATURE VARIABILITY ON MALARIA INCIDENCE IN YAMALTU/DEBA LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA.

Despite significant advancements achieved in the last two decades in reducing the worldwide impact of malaria, the disease still poses a substantial public health challenge. Moreover, there exists a growing apprehension that climate change could potentially broaden the regions conducive to disease transmission. This research focuses on investigating the impact of climate variability on malaria incidence in the Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area (LGA) of Gombe State, Nigeria, from 2013 to 2022. Precipitation and temperature records were sourced from the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority’s Dadin-Kowa Meteorological station, while confirmed uncomplicated malaria cases were obtained from the Gombe State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.The study entails an examination of the relationship between climate variability and malaria incidence in the study area. Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was employed for this purpose. Furthermore, time series analysis was conducted to assess trends in rainfall, temperature, and malaria cases. The findings revealed an increasing trend in both rainfall and malaria cases, while maximum and minimum temperatures displayed negligible decreases over the specified period. Notably, correlation analysis unveiled a positive relationship between rainfall and malaria, with an r value of 0.319. Conversely, maximum and minimum temperatures exhibited a strong negative correlation, with r values of -0.152 and -0.534, respectively. Seasonal analysis highlighted a greater prevalence of malaria cases during the late rainy season, specifically in the months of July and October. October emerged as the month with the highest recorded malaria cases, totaling 44,351 cases, while May exhibited the lowest number of cases at 15,488. Given these findings, it is recommended to prioritize vector control initiatives and raise public awareness regarding the effective implementation of intervention measures, such as indoor residual sprays. These efforts are especially crucial during peak periods characterized by favorable weather conditions to mitigate malaria outbreaks effectively.

Assessment of fishing gear types and their influence on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) in the upper Benue river Basin, Nigeria

Assessment of fishing gear types and their influence on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) in the upper Benue river Basin, Nigeria

Quantification and allocation of uncertainties of climate change impacts on hydropower potential under 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C global warming levels in the headwaters of the Benue River Basin, Cameroon

Hydropower is the world's largest producer of renewable energy and represents more than 43% of the low-carbon energy. However, it is sensitive to climate variability and change. This study evaluates the climate change impacts on hydropower potential in the headwaters of the Benue River Basin (HBRB) under 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C global warming levels (GWLs) and quantifies the main sources of uncertainty in the modeling chain. Precipitation and temperature from 17 members of the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment over the Africa domain (CORDEX-Africa) under two representative concentration pathways (RCPs 4.5 and 8.5) were used to run two calibrated Lumped-conceptual hydrological models (HMs) (Hydrologiska Byrans Vattenavdelning (HBV-Light) and HYdrological MODel (HYMOD)). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) decomposition was used to quantify the uncertainties related to each impact modeling chain step in the hydropower potential calculation process. Results reveal a high uncertainty in both climatic and hydrologic parameters. The change in precipitation associated with an increase in potential evapotranspiration (PET) causes a significant decrease in hydropower generation associated with a large uncertainty range. The ANOVA sensitivity test reveals that the dominant contributing source to hydropower projections uncertainty varies with GWL. Given the likely breach of GWL 1.5 by the early 2030s, these findings contribute information for consideration in water and energy planning in the region over the next decade, and stresses that these considerations are urgent for the socioeconomic well-being of the region.

Morphometric Indices and Parasitic Incidence of Synodontis nigrita from Lower River Benue, Makurdi, Nigeria

The study was carried out to determine the morphometric indices and parasitic incidence of 160 fresh samples of Synodontis nigrita comprising of 80 samples each of female and male sexes. Fish samples were obtained from the catches of local fishermen along Lower River Benue at Wadata fish landing site of Benue State. Length–weight relationship was analyzed using the equation W=aLb. The condition factor of the fish samples was determined using the equation, K=100W/L3. Samples of Synodontis nigrita were later subjected to parasitological examination using standard parasitological method. The mean total length, body weight, condition factor, regression and correlation coefficients were higher for un-infested female samples of Synodontis nigrita than the infested female. Similarly, the mean total length body weight, condition factor, regression and correlation coefficients of un-infested male samples of Synodontis nigrita were higher than the infested males. A total of three hundred and fifty seven (357) parasites were recovered from 76(47.50%) infested samples. Out of the 357 parasites, 251 were recovered from 49(61.3%) infested female samples, 106 parasites were recovered from 27(33.8%) infested male samples. Among the infested parts of the female samples, the intestine accounted for the highest number/percentage (116/46.4%) parasite load, the least 2(0.8%) was recorded for the skin. Between the external parts (gill and skin) of the female fish samples, while the gill recorded the higher number of parasite load 28(12.8%), skin recorded 2(0.8%). Similarly, among the infested parts of the male samples, the intestine accounted for the highest number/percentage (65/61.3%) parasite load, the least 9(8.5%) was recorded for the gill. Between the external parts (gill and skin), the gill recorded 9(8.5%) number/percentage parasite load, no parasite was recovered from the skin. Prevalence (61.25), number of parasites (251) and intensity (5.10) of parasite infection were higher for female samples compared to the male with the prevalence, and intensity of parasite infection of 33.80, 106 and 3.90, respectively. However, the chi square value showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence, number of parasites and intensity of parasite infection between the sexes of Synodontis nigrita. Variation in the prevalence and intensity of parasite infection of female and male Synodontis nigrita based on size groups existed. However, it was generally observed that longer and heavier sized fish of both sexes were more infested with higher number of parasites than the smaller sized samples of both sexes.

Food and Feeding Habits of Schilbe mystus from the Lower River Benue at Makurdi

A study on food and feeding habit of Schilbe mystus in the Lower River Benue at Makurdi, was carried out. Two hundred (200) fish samples were examined for stomach content. The body weight (WT), Total Length (TL) and Standard Length (SL) of each specimen was measured to the nearest gram and centimeters using a weighing balance and tape/ meter rule on a dissection board. The length weight relationship was determined by plotting a graph of Length-Weight. The gut for each fish specimen was cut open using a pair of scissors and scrapped onto a grease-free glass slide and examined for stomach contents and viewed microscopically. Result revealed the following food items; insects (64.42%), fish (20.2%), crustaceans (10.6%), detritus (15.4%) and unidentified materials (50.1%). Insects recorded the highest percentage in the stomach both on frequency of occurrence and gastro-somatic index methods while crustacean recorded the least percentage in both frequency of occurrence and gastro-somatic index. Smaller fish within the length range of 10.1-15.0 cm weighing between 0.1- 50 g were more of empty stomach (65.0% and 67.2%) than those with food (35.0% and 32.8%). Fish within the length range of 25.1- 30.0cm and 35.1- 40.0cm weighing 100.1- 200.0g and 200.1- 350.0g were found to contain stomach with full diet components, particularly insects, fish and crustaceans. Length weight relationship (LWR) and Length- length relationship (LLR) indicated that values of correlation coefficient (r2) are highly correlated, r2 > 0.7 and r2 > 0.8 at p < 0.05. Therefore, Schilbe mystus tropical features in the lower River Benue showed that it is a carnivorous and the pray type is influenced by their availability. This study provides data for the better understanding of the biology and ecology of Schilbe mystus in the Benue River which will also contribute to the development of aquaculture industry.

Multidecadal changes in planform morphology of the confluence of River Niger and River Benue, West Africa

Analysis of 35 years (1987–2022) of time-lapse data derived from Landsat imagery and SRTM DEM has revealed significant changes in planform morphology at the confluence of the River Niger and River Benue in Lokoja, West Africa. In the study area, the Niger is flanked by high elevation plateaus of ca. 400 m altitude and low-lying floodplains on its western bank. The Benue is characterized by more abundant intra-channel and bank-attached bars relative to the Niger. Over the 35-year period, a net downstream migration of 880 m was observed at the junction, its angle decreased from ca. 175° in 1987 to 50° in 2006 and to ca. 16° in 2022 and showed varied segmentation patterns. We establish a linkage between this decrease in confluence angle and increase in annual runoff in the study area. Expansion along the banks of the Niger, Benue, and post-confluence channels was found to be low and non-uniform, suggesting varied resistance of the banks to erosion, which is linked to the abundance of vegetation. These decadal changes in confluence planform are important for understanding river confluence dynamics in major river systems around the world.

Determinants of Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change among Farming Communities along River Benue in Adamawa State, Nigeria

This research work examines the determinants of adaptation strategies to climate change among rural communities along River Benue in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are to assess the determinants of adaptation strategies to climate change and examine the impacts of climate change on the farmers’ livelihood activities. A multistage sampling procedure was employed in selecting 463 respondents. Data were collected from primary sources. Secondary information was also used. The data sourced were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as mean, percentages and multinomial logit regression models. It was found that climate change has a serious impact on the agricultural activities of respondents. The result of multinomial regression analysis revealed that different factors were responsible for the selection of adaptation strategies used by farmers. Generally, variables such as being male, age, income level, farming experience, and education levels among others were found to influence the selection of different adaptation strategies used by farmers in the study area. For example, variable issue as gender, marital status, age and farming experience were positive (P and significant in influencing respondents to practice 2 and 3 adaptation categories. The study therefore, recommends among others that government should provide adaptation incentives to farmers to reduce the impact of climate change on agricultural activities in the study area and diversification of livelihood activities to be encouraged among farming communities along river Benue so that farmers can get more income to adapt to the menace of climate change

Livestock Reservoir Hosts: An Obscured Threat to Control of Human Schistosomiasis in Nigeria

Schistosomiasis is one of the leading neglected tropical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Recorded case numbers of this chronic and debilitating helminth disease indicate Nigeria to be the most endemic country within this region. National control efforts have focused intensively on restricting human contact with freshwater sources of intermediate host snails. However, limited attention has been paid to the role of livestock as reservoir hosts and the prevalence of transmission of schistosomes to humans via farmed animals. The West African nations of Mali, Senegal, and the neighbouring Niger, Benin, and Cameroon have all reported the hybridization of the closely related species of Schistosoma haematobium, which infects humans, and S. bovis, which infects cattle. As these countries share the Niger and Benue rivers, with their tributaries, there is a distinct possibility of aquatic snails infected with hybrid schistosomes migrating to become established in the Nigerian river system. Here, we report on the current state of research in Nigeria that aims to elucidate key aspects of zoonotic schistosomiasis epidemiology. Factors promoting the hybridization of Schistosoma species are highlighted, and how available control measures can be optimized to address the emergence of schistosome hybrids is discussed.

Assessment of Zooplankton and Physico-chemical Parameters of Upper River Benue, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Between January and June, 2022 some physico-chemical and biological conditions of Upper River Benue were assessed at five selected sites on monthly basis between 6:00 – 10:00a.m. A total of 9.849 ×104 organisms/L was recorded for zooplankton abundance. Rotifera was observed to have a total abundance of 39.9%, followed by Cladocera contributed a total of 33.45%, while the least was Decapoda gave 1.37%. The higher number of taxa (25) was recorded at site V. The abundance of individuals was highest at site IV. Twenty-seven species (27) species of zooplankton were identified during the study period ranging from elven Rotifera, nine Cladocera, five Copepoda, one Ostracoda and one Decapoda. The order of dominance of the zooplankton of Upper River Benue is Rotifera>Cladocera>Copepoda>Ostracoda>Decapoda with Brachionus caudate, Bosmina longirostis and daphnia being the most dominant (6.94%) of the total zooplankton of Upper River Benue. The physico-chemical parameters results revealed that temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, transparency, dissolved oxygen, free CO2, alkalinity were within recommended acceptable limit except ammonia, phosphorus and nitrogen were higher than recommended acceptable limit. However, no significant difference was found between the seasons in terms physico-chemical paraneters and zooplankton distribution (P>0.05). The study showed the reservoir to be eutrophic with moderate water quality, high ecological and pass chemical status, with diverse assemblages of zooplankton. It was recommended that there should be continuous monitoring of the biological and physico-chemical status of the river to ascertain the long-term impact of anthropogenic inputs to take remedial measures so as to ensure the health of aquatic life.