A study of Algal species of Kano River, Tamburawa, Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

An ecological study of algae at Kano River in Tamburawa village was carried out within the period of March, 2013 to August, 2013 at five different sites. The sampling sites were selected for the purpose of the study based on differences in their anthropological conditions. Physico-chemical and biological  parameters were determined using standard methods. Physico-chemical and biological parameters  showed that Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen, 5-days Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Nitrate, Phosphate, Electrical Conductivity and Turbidity ranged between 220C to 280C, 6.10 to 9.20, 2.00mg/L to 9.83mg/L, 0.50mg/L to 4.93mg/L, 0.00mg/L to 14.40mg/L, 0.01 to 6.65mg/L, 38.2 ìs/cm to 135.3 ìs/cm and 67 FAU-2060.70 FAU respectively. A total of fifty six (56) algal species were identified out of which thirty seven (37) species belong to the Class Bacillariophyceae with Nitzchia spp having the highest cell counts, Seventeen (17) species belong to the Class Chlorophyceae with Spirogyra spp having the highest cell counts, two species belong to the Class Cyanophyceae with Oscillatoria sp having the highest cell count. The result shows significant difference (P<0.05) among the sites and regarding their monthly fluctuation. The correlation coefficients of Algal abundance and physico-chemical parameters were positive with DO, BOD, Nitrate and phosphate. However, it had negative correlation with Temperature, pH and Conductivity. The results of the study showed that Kano River is eutrophicated as a result of the
anthropogenic activities taking place in the area. The river is also polluted due to the presence of some pollution indicators identified in the area.

Keywords: Algae, Anthropogenic conditions, Kano River, Physico-chemical parameters.