The Influence of Physico-Chemical Parameters on the Zooplankton Distribution of Kussalla Reservoir, Kano State

Abstract

Zooplankton studies of Kusalla Reservoir in Karaye Local Government Area of Kano State were carried out over a period of twelve months from June, 2006 to May, 2007. Alongside the physicochemical parameters of the reservoir was also determined in relation to the distribution of the zooplankton. Physico-chemical parameters showed that temperature, water depth, transparency, pH, and conductivity range between 22-28^OC, 50–70 cm, 25 cm-78 cm, 6.2-7.4, 25-60 /seconds respectively, so also hardness, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate- nitrogen, and phosphate-phosphorus ranges between 3.3-9.9 mg/l, 7.3-8.4mg/l, 2.6- 4.4mg/l respectively. Different species of zooplanktons belonging to four (4) major classes; Cladocera (37.95 %), Copepods (26.6%) Rotifera (19.75%) and Protozoa (15.7%) were also recovered. The composition abundance and distribution of zooplankton varied with the variation in the Physico-chemical parameters of the reservoir.

Keywords; zooplankton, physico-chemical, Kusalla dam