The population dynamics of the Prorocentraceae, Gonyaulacaceae Peridiniaceae, Euglenophyceae and Ceratiaceae, in a lagoon bordering heavy industry in Lagos state, Nigeria

Abstract

An investigation into the dynamics of Protozoan populations in Ologe lagoon was carried out for a period of 24 months. It covered identification, diversity and elucidating the influence of some physical and chemical parameters on temporal abundance and spatial distribution of the Protozoa. Four villages around the lagoon were sampled using standard techniques. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using linear regression and hierarchical clustering. Five protozoan populations were identified. The Pearson's correlation coefficient showed that positive correlation occurred between the protozoa and Salinity (r = 0.043) and with surface water dissolved oxygen (r = 0.300). The correlations were positive with NO3-N at Ibiye (Rsq =0.022) and Gbanko (Rsq =0.013), PO4-P at Ibiye (Rsq =0.258), K at Idoluwo (Rsq =0.295) and SO4-S at Oto (Rsq = 0.945) and Gbanko (Rsq = 0.456). The most dominant species was Phacus (29%) followed by Prorocentrum sigmoides (14.2%). The protozoan populations in Ologe lagoon, were patchy in spatial distribution, undergo seasonal perturbations and were highly influenced by nutrient inputs from Agbara industrial estate and surrounding farmlands.