SOME ASPECTS OF THE ECOLOGY OF SUSPENDED ALGAE IN TOUR PONDS IN ZARIA (NIGERIA) DURING THE DRY SEASON

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Date
1988-02
Authors
EBUEHI, ELIZABETH OLOHIRERE
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Abstract
The ecology of suspended algae in four ponds were investigated during the dry season (November 1986 - March 1987). Two of the ponds, (the Stabilization ponds) received mainly raw sewage influent from the University halls of residence while the other two receive mainly underground water. Samples collected at monthly intervals were analysed for suspended algal taxa and standing crops and physico-chemical properties which included, temperature, pH, transparency, conductivity, magnesium, potassium, sodium, calcium, dissolved oxygen, Biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved iron, phosphate phosphorus, nitrate nitrogen, silica and alkalinity ponds were compared on the bases of these properties. Physico-chemical properties varied from month to month. There was a general in increase in the concentration of cations possibly due to evaporative concentration. The Kubanni pond had the least concentration of ions generally, though it had the highest level of silica. The Stabilization ponds had the highest concentration of phosphate-phosphorus and nitrate-nitrogen. The lists of constituent members of suspended algal communities present in the samples are presented along with their abundance, frequency, distribution and biomass. The distribution of algal taxa in the ponds reflects the state of physico-chemical properties and organic enrichment. On the basis of the magnitude of total biomass of major algal groups, the ponds were compared. The Chlorophyta were the predominant algal group in the By Pass pond, while the Cyanophyta were predominant in the Stabilization ponds. The Bacillariophyta (diatoms) predominated in the Kubanni pond. The strikingly higher biomass of suspended algae in the Stabilization ponds, portray a higher trophic (organic enrichment) level than the other ponds. The Kubanni pond had the least algale biomass. Pearson's correlation coefficients of relationship between physico-chemical properties and algal biomass in the ponds are presented and discussed.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Postgraduate School, Ahmadu Bello University, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA FEBRUARY, 1988.
Keywords
ASPECTS,, ECOLOGY,, SUSPENDED,, ALGAE,, TOUR,, PONDS,, ZARIA (NIGERIA), DRY SEASON
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