Evaluation of the Phytoplanktons Species Diversity, Distribution and Physicochemical Characteristics of Pindiga Pond in Gombe State of Nigeria

Abstract

Studies were conducted on the diversity, distribution and physicochemical characteristics of phytoplanktons of Pindiga Pond. Water and phytoplankton samples were collected for three months at ten (10) days interval. The objective of the present research is to determine the phytoplanktons distribution and physicochemical characteristics of the Pond. Standard procedures were adopted for determination of physicochemical parameters viz; Temperature, pH, Transparency, Conductivity, Nitrate, Phosphate, Dissolved oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD).These physicochemical characteristics were observed to have varied within the period of the study. Seventeen (17) genus, Thirteen (13) orders, four (4) classes, and four (4) division of phytoplankton were identified, and the class Bacillariophyceae (46 %) was the highest percentage recorded during the study, Chlorophyceae (32 %), Euglenophyceae (19 %) and Cyanophyceae (3%) the least in occurrence and distribution. The study also revealed that pindiga pond had luxuriant phytoplanktons flora, diverse and seasonal with fluctuating pattern of physicochemical characteristics recorded. The physicochemical characteristics were also within productive limit in Pindiga pond.

Key words: Phytoplanktons, Diversity, Distribution, Pond