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