Composition of planktonic organisms and its associated physico-chemical parameters in two ponds at African regional aquaculture centre (ARAC) Aluu, Port Harcourt

Abstract

Composition of plankton communities in two ponds at African Regional Agriculture Centre (ARAC) Aluu, Port Harcourt was undertaken between May and June 2004, to assess the composition, relative abundance and distribution of plankton. The diversity of plankton was poor. Twenty-eight taxa representing four (4) families were recorded for phytoplankton while seventeen taxa representing four families were identified for zooplankton. Chlorophyta and Cladocera were the most dominant classes in phytoplankton and zooplankton in terms of abundance, constitute 13.0% and 17.1% respectively. The water quality of the ponds is evident by high temperature (28.80C), depth (57.5cm), transparency (42), dissolved oxygen (4.9mg/l) and low BOD of (1.4mg/l). The lower density of organisms could be partly attributed due to heavy rainfall which destabilize the surface water and substrate. Hence, extensive studies of the ponds where aquatic organisms are kept should be carried out to maintain proper utilization of ponds.

KEYWORDS: Plankton, composition, communities richness, abundance.