Physicochemical Characteristics and Micro Algae Composition of UNIZIK Stream, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Ikechukwu CC, Ikeogu CF, Akinrotimi OA, Ayaobu-Cookey IK, Onoja CR and Obieguo CC
Published on: 2024-04-18
Abstract
The composition and abundance of microalgae in river systems are controlled by a wide range of physical, chemical, and biological factors. The study was aimed at determining the physico-chemical properties as well as the species composition of algae in the UNIZIK stream, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, for a period of three months (March–May, 2023). Surface water samples for the study were collected from four different sampling locations based on their proximity and accessibility. The analysis of water was conducted either in situ or transported to the laboratory for analysis. The physicochemical properties of the water were determined using the standard method, while the algal species were identified using a microscope. The results of the physicochemical properties of the water showed that the temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen ranged from 29.11 to 30.92o C, 6.42 to 8.52, and 4.11 to 8.99 mg/L, respectively. The average values of nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia in the water range from 0.005 to 0.012 mg/L; 2.52 to 7.45 mg/L; and 0.03 mg/L to 0.07 mg/L, respectively. From the results, a total of 8 different algal species were identified, belonging to 7 different classes. In the month of March, Closterium sp. recorded the highest percentage (60.97%) in station 2, while Bryococcus sp. recorded the lowest value (12.19) in station 2. In the month of April, Bryococcus sp. recorded the highest percentage of 58.3%, while Closterium sp. recorded the lowest (4.20%) in station 1. In the month of May, Closterium sp. recorded the highest percentage (47.52%) at Station 4, while Spirulina sp. had the lowest percentage of 1.24% at Station 2. The highest total number of individual species (144) was recorded in station 3 in the month of May. While the lowest (55) was observed in station 1 in the month of March, However, the number of algae increased from March to May, with station 3 consistently recording the highest number of microalgae in all the sampling months. Closterium sp. and Cladophora sp. were found to be the dominant species. It is concluded that the occurrence and abundance of green algae species in the river are closely related to the physicochemical characteristics of the water.