Original Article

Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia, 2020, vol. 32, e4

https://doi.org/10.1590/S2179-975X3319
ISSN 2179-975X on-line version

Phytoplankton as bioindicators of water quality in Nasarawa

reservoir, Katsina State Nigeria
Fitoplâncton como bioindicadores da qualidade da água do reservatório de Nasarawa,
estado de Katsina, Nigéria

Zahraddeen Hassan Yusuf1* 

1
Federal College of Education P.M.B 2041, Katsina, Nigeria
*e-mail: [email protected]

Cite as: Yusuf, Z.H. Phytoplankton as bioindicators of water quality in Nasarawa reservoir, Katsina
State Nigeria. Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia, 2020, vol. 32, e4.

Abstract: Aim: Phytoplankton monitoring as bioindicators to assess the health of the Nasarawa
reservoir and also to evaluate the relationship between phytoplankton and reservoir environmental
variables. Methods: Phytoplankton and water samples from Nasarawa reservoir (Nigeria) were collected
and analysed for ten months (February, 2018 to November, 2018) using standard methods at five
sampling sites. Results: A total of 38 genera belonging to five major families such as: Bacillariophyceae
(42%), Chlorophyceae (24%) Cyanophyceae (13%), Deemidiaceae (18%) and Euglenophyceae
(3%) were recorded. Four Phytoplankton classes; Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta Cyanophyta, and
Desmidiaceae show positive close relation with dissolved oxygen, pH, transparency, and total dissolved
solids. The overall phytoplankton density in the reservoir was higher in dry season than the wet season.
Palmer pollution index was employed to study the water quality of the reservoir. The total score
was calculated to be 25, showing evidence of high organic pollution. Conclusions: The presence of
organic pollution indicators Closterium sp, Navicula sp, Nitzschia sp, Synedra sp, Chlamydomonas sp,
Cyclotella sp and Anacystis sp is a warning sign of the deteriorating condition of the water quality in
the reservoir. Measures need to be enforced to reduce the rate of pollution of the reservoir arising
from the human activities in the catchment of the reservoir.
Keywords: bioindicators; pollution; phytoplankton; Nasarawa Reservoir.

Resumo: Objetivo: Monitoramento do fitoplâncton como bioindicador para avaliar a condição

do reservatório de Nasarawa e também avaliar a relação entre o fitoplâncton e as variáveis ambientais
​​
do reservatório. Métodos: Amostras de fitoplâncton e água do reservatório de Nasarawa (Nigéria)
foram coletadas e analisadas de forma padronizada durante dez meses (fevereiro de 2018 a novembro
de 2018) em cinco locais de amostragem. Resultados: Foram registrados 38 gêneros pertencentes
a cinco principais famílias: Bacillariophyceae (42%), Chlorophyceae (24%) Cyanophyceae (13%),
Deemidiaceae (18%) e Euglenophyceae (3%). Quatro classes de fitoplâncton; Bacillariophyta,
Chlorophyta Cyanophyta e Desmidiaceae mostram relação positiva com oxigênio dissolvido, pH,
transparência e sólidos totais dissolvidos. A densidade total de fitoplâncton no reservatório foi maior
na estação seca do que na estação chuvosa. O índice de poluição de Palmer foi empregado para avaliar
a qualidade da água do reservatório. A pontuação total foi calculada em 25, mostrando evidências de
poluição orgânica elevada. Conclusões: A presença de indicadores de poluição orgânica Closterium
sp, Navicula sp, Nitzschia sp, Synedra sp, Chlamydomonas sp, Cyclotella sp e Anacystis sp é um sinal de
alerta para a deterioração das condições da qualidade da água do reservatório. Medidas são necessárias
para reduzir a taxa de poluição do reservatório decorrente das atividades humanas na bacia hidrográfica
do reservatório.
Palavras-chave: bioindicadores; poluição; fitoplâncton; reservatório Nasarawa.

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits
unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
2 Yusuf, Z.H.

1. Introduction nutrient enrichment. The influence of environmental

factors on the seasonal abundance and diversity of
Phytoplankton communities are sensitive
plankton biotypes varies significantly, with physical
to alterations in their habitats, and thereby,
factors like temperature and light intensity being
phyto‑plankton total biomass and many
the most important and chemical factors like
phytoplankton species are utilized as indicators
dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, hardness, electrical
of aquatic habitat qualifications (Chellappa et al.,
conductivity and nutrient level being of lesser
2009) Phytoplankton/algal communities give more
importance (Reynolds, 1984). As algae have a very
evidences concerning alterations in water quality
broad area of distribution in aquatic environments,
than nutrient or chlorophyll-a concentration.
they can be very important source of oxygen in these
Water quality is a whole of physical, chemical, and
environments, and they are providing food for all
biological properties of the water (EEA, 1999).
other organisms ranging from benthic invertebrates
The monitoring of phytoplankton and algae
to fish (Round, 1984). However, overpopulation of
is of great significance because the monitoring
algae would take place due to discharge of nutrients
based solely on physical and chemical analysis
into aquatic ecosystems (Akköz & Güler, 2004).
is sometimes insufficient. The phytoplankton
There is little or no environmental baseline data
composition not only demonstrates the certain
of Nasarawa reservoir. No effort has been made
situation of the waters but also the previous
before for studying the water quality of the reservoir.
situations of aquatic ecosystem. Phytoplankton
Therefore, it was felt desirable to undertake study
demonstrates water quality through changes in
on the monitoring of phytoplankton taxa as
its community composition, and distribution,
bioindicators for assessing the health of Nasarawa
and proportion of sensitive species (Gharib et al.,
reservoir, and also to assess the relationship between
2011). Phytoplankton are largely governed by
phytoplankton and the environmental variables of
light, nutrients, temperature, community structure
the reservoir.
life-cycle history, stratification or vertical mixing
and tides (Alvarez-Góngora & Herrera-Silveira, 2. Materials and Methods
2005). Palmer (1969) listed ten most tolerant
2.1. Study area
algal species in order of decreasing tolerance as
Euglena viridis> Nitzschia palea> Oscillatoria Nasarawa reservoir is located at latitude 12o59’ 33”
limosa> Scenedesmus quadricauda> Oscillatoria North and longitude 7o 30’ 48” East (Figure 1) in
tenuis>Stigeoclonium tenue> Synedra Nasarawa village Jibia Local Government Katsina
ulna> Ankistrodesmus falcatus> Pandorina State. Majority of the people in Nasarawa village
morum> Oscillatoria chlorina with their tolerance were farmers and local fishermen that rely much on
(pollution index) as 6,5,4,4,4,3,3,3,3,2respectively. the reservoir for their irrigation and fishing activities
Pollution index of less than 10 signifies lack of as their means of livelihood. The water retention

Figure 1. Map of the Study Area Showing the Sampling Sites A, B, C, D and E (Source: Google (2018).

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 Phytoplankton as bioindicators of… 3

time was between 5–6 months in the raining season, determine the phytoplankton species composition
while the water residence time in the dry season and abundance. Shannon Index (H) = -Σ(pi ln pi)
was 3-4 months. Where pi = the proportion of the nth species in
the sample i.e (Number of Individual Species/Total
2.2. Sampling and analysis
Number of Individuals in Sample)
From the results of the preliminary visit to the H = the Shannon-wiener` index of diversity,
reservoir, five sampling stations: A, B, C, D and E S= number of species or species richness
were selected for the purpose of sample collection Hmax =Maximum diversity possible,
(Figure 1). Stratified sampling technique was used to E = Eveness = 𝐻/𝐻𝑚𝑎𝑥
establish the sampling sites. The minimum distance Palmer pollution index (Palmer, 1969) was used
between the sampling stations was 200 meters to determine the pollution level of the reservoir
(Averett & Schroder, 1994). Water samples were based on the algal taxa identified.
collected randomly from February to November,
2.3. Statistical analysis
2018. A water Sampler was used in the collection of
water samples between 10 am to 2 pm. The sampler Data on temporal and spatial distribution
was lowered into the water with aid of a graduated patterns of the physico-chemical parameters and
rope. Analysis for the physicochemical parameters phytoplankton composition were analysed and any
of the water samples were carried out following significant differences between seasons were tested
the standard methods for the examination of water using T test while spatial and monthly variations
and waste water (APHA, 2005). Temperature, were assessed using one way analysis of variance
pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (Graphpad Instat 3). Principal Components
were determined using the Hanna instrument of Analysis (PCA) was used to determine the
model (H198129). Transparency was determined relationship between physico-chemical parameters
using Secchi disc painted black and white was using the PAST software.
tied with strong, thin rope. Dissolved oxygen and
Biochemical Oxygen Demand was determined 3. Results
using a dissolved oxygen meter, total alkalinity by The results revealed the total composition and
titration method using hydrochloric acid and methyl relative abundance of the phytoplankton species
red and brocresol green solutions as indicators, total from five of the sampling sites. 58,000 org/l were
hardness by ethylene diamino tetra acetic acid recorded across the sampling sites through the study
(EDTA) titration method using eriochrome black-T period. A total of 38 genera belonging to five classes
dye, nitrate-nitrogen by colorimetric method using were recorded in the five sampling sites. A total of
phenol di sulphonic acid, phosphate-phosphorous 16985, 8738, 15575, 9152, 7550 phytoplankton
by using stannous chloride method (APHA, 2005). species were recorded at sites A, B, C, D and E
Phytoplankton samples were collected with belonging to the following classes: Bacillariophyceae
square mouthed bolting silk plankton net of (42%), Chlorophyta (24%) Cyanophyceae (13%),
100 nm mesh size sunk beneath the surface of the Desmidiaceae (18%) and Euglenophyceae (3%)
reservoir and towed for a distance of one meter for respectively. Spirogyra sp and Ulothrix sp were the
each sampling operation. Samples were immediately most dominant species 6205 org/l (10.70%) and
preserved with Lugol’s solution and then stored for Rhizosolenia sp, Thalasionema sp,and Gomphosphaeria
subsequent examination. Species identification was sp recorded the least species with 178(0.29%)
done using keys in Needham & Needham (1975). (Table 1). The diatoms were present throughout the
Numerical estimations of the both phytoplankton year with great abundance during the dry season.
was done using the drop method described by A decrease was observed in the class during the
Margalef (1974). The relative abundance of the rainy periods. Bacillariophyta had its highest mean
various taxa was calculated for each sample using monthly distribution in the month of April at site C
the formula: N = [a/b] n and lowest in December at site B (Table 2). Analysis
Where: N= estimated number of genus per of variance (P<0.05) of the class showed significant
sample, a = volume of water sample in ml, differences in, sampling sites, months and seasons.
b = volume of sub sample in ml, n = number of T test (P<0.01) shows high significant difference
organisms in sub sample between seasons. Mean monthly population of
Shannon-Weaver & Weaver (1949) diversity Chlorophyta showed that November had highest
index (H) and species evenness was used to number with 1003 org/l at site A and the least

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4 Yusuf, Z.H.

Table 1. Species composition and relative abundance of the phytoplankton from five the sampling sites at Nasarawa
reservoir during the study period.
Total R.
Species Composition Site A Site B Site C Site D Site E
Org./Ltr Abundance%
Bacillariophyceae (42%)
Cocconeis sp. 0 0 510 4488 0 4998 8.62
Cyclotella sp. 0 0 0 720 0 720 1.24
Cymbella sp. 170 0 0 374 0 544 0.94
Diatoma sp. 340 0 0 0 0 340 0.59
Flagilariaforma sp. 0 238 850 0 0 1088 1.88
Fragelaria sp. 0 0 1700 0 0 1700 2.93
Navicula sp. 560 1190 0 340 2090 3.60
Nitzchia sp. 0 850 170 0 0 1020 1.76
Pleurosigma sp. 0 0 2210 850 2295 5355 9.23
Pseudonitzchia sp. 340 0 0 0 0 340 0.59
Rhizosolenia sp. 0 0 170 0 170 0.29
Skeletonema sp. 0 340 170 0 0 510 0.88
Stauroneis sp. 0 0 170 0 170 340 0.59
Surirella sp. 0 0 340 0 0 340 0.59
Synedra sp. 1530 0 0 0 1530 2.64
Thalasionema sp. 0 0 170 0 0 170 0.29
Chlorophyceae (24%)
Chlamydomonas sp. 0 0 2550 0 0 2550 4.40
Cladophora sp. 170 0 510 0 0 680 1.17
Maugeocia sp. 510 1190 0 340 0 2040 3.52
Microspora sp. 0 0 170 0 170 340 0.59
Protococcus sp. 0 0 170 0 340 510 0.88
Spirogyra sp. 3825 1360 340 170 510 6205 10.70
Tribonema sp. 0 510 510 0.88
Ulothrix sp. 5100 170 340 170 425 6205 10.70
Zygnema sp 2040 1360 340 170 765 4675 8.06
Cyanophyceae(13%)
Anacystis sp. 510 170 0 0 0 680 1.17
Aphanizomenon sp. 0 0 510 0 0 510 0.88
Gomphosphaeria sp. 0 0 170 0 0 170 0.29
Nostoc sp. 170 0 0 0 255 425 0.73
Oscillatoria sp. 170 0 0 0 170 340 0.59
Desmidiaceae(18%)
Closterium sp. 510 0 680 510 1175 2875 4.96
Genicularia sp. 340 0 0 0 0 340 0.59
Gonatozygon sp. 0 0 340 0 0 340 0.59
Micrastarias sp. 340 0 0 0 340 0.59
Penium sp. 170 0 340 0 0 510 0.88
Pleurotaenium sp. 0 2210 510 0 0 2720 4.69
Tetmemorus sp. 0 0 510 0 0 510 0.88
Euglenophyceae(3%)
Euglena sp. 190 850 615 1190 425 3270 5.64
Total 16985 8738 15575 9152 7550 58000 100.00

Table 2. Monthly distribution of the phytoplankton families found in Nasarawa reservoir during the study period.
Bacillario Chloro Cyano Desmidia Eugleno
Months Total %
phyceae phyceae Phycea ceae phyceae
February 3044 2135 238 1323 161 6901 11.90
March 2090 2435 259 1250 155 6189 10.67
April 3998 2450 261 1421 170 8300 14.31
May 3000 3100 245 1351 198 7894 13.61
June 1300 1989 200 300 493 4282 7.38
July 1200 1002 187 204 475 3068 5.29
August 1180 2530 182 150 501 4543 7.83
September 1010 2435 195 115 506 4261 7.35
October 1345 1989 171 251 490 4246 7.32
November 3088 3650 187 1270 121 8316 14.34
Total 21255 23715 2125 7635 3270 58000 100

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 Phytoplankton as bioindicators of… 5

was 117org/l in July at Site E (Table 1 and 2). pollution. The total score of Algal species Pollution
Chlorophyta abundance was higher in the dry Index of sites A,B,C,D and E were calculated to be
season than in the wet season. Statistically there was 20, 9, 16, 7 and 9 respectively. The total scores of
no significant difference between seasons (P>0.05). Site A and Site C indicated probable high organic
ANOVA at (P<0.05), showed significant differences pollution, while Site B, D and E showed low organic
exists in sampling sites and monthly abundance of pollution according to Palmer, 1969. Oscillatoria
Chlorophyta. Cyanophyta were persistently present which is found only in A, is considered to be the
throughout the year in sites A, B, C, and E with group of alga that is the second most tolerant of
more occurrences in the dry season from February organic pollution. It is commonly found with
to May and reducing progressively in number from Euglena in lagoons and other water with high
June to the end of the rainy season in October. levels of nitrogen. Euglena was found to be the
Cyanophyta was completely absent in site D most active participant in all sites which may be the
throughout the period of the study (Table 1 and 2). good indicator of contaminated water the similar
Cyanophyta revealed more diversity in the wet observation recorded by Palmer,1969. Closterium,
season than in dry season. Analysis of variance Navicula, Nitzschia, Synedra, Chlamydomonas,
(P<0.05), revealed a significant difference in Cyclotella and Anacystis were also recorded and
sampling sites abundance of the class during the consider as indicators of pollution in view of the
study period. T test (P<0.05) showed significant results of Palmer pollution index (Palmer, 1969).
difference the seasonal abundance of Cyanophyta The Physico‑Chemical Parameters of the reservoir
of Nasarawa reservoir. The family Desmidiaceae showed mean monthly variations. The water
occurs throughout the year, it was more abundant temperature variation ranged from (20-34.1 oC) with
during the dry season and decrease in abundance mean ± SE value of (28.6 ± 3.3 oC) (Figure 2); the pH
for most part of the rainy season in all the stations. values ranged between (6.6 -9.3) with mean ± SE
Desmidiaceae had its highest mean monthly value of 7.6 ± 0.74 (Figure 3); Transparency of the
distribution in the month of February at site C reservoir fluctuated between (0.06-1.4 cm) with
and lowest in September at site E (Table 1 and 2). mean ± SE value of 0.41 ± 0.33 cm (Figure 4).
T test (P<0.05) showed the dry season to had a The Dissolved Oxygen values in the reservoir
higher Desmidiaceae cell count than the wet season. ranged from 2.92 mg.l-1 to 7.48 mg.l-1; with the
ANOVA (P>0.05) revealed no significant difference mean ± SE of 5.15 ±1.43 mg.l-1. The biochemical
was found between the sampling sites during the oxygen demand in Nasarawa reservoir revealed
study period. Euglenophyta was represented by monthly variation of between (0.13-3.3 mg.l-1)
Euglena viridis. Mean monthly distribution of with mean ± SE value of 1.35 ± 0.91 mg.l -1
(Figure 5). The electrical conductivity ranged
Euglenophyta was highest during the month of
September and lowest was recorded in January
(Table 1 and 2). Site D recorded the highest
number of Euglenophyta of 214 org/l and the
least was recorded at site A with 8.0 org/l. Seasonal
variations showed that abundance of Euglenophyta
was highest during wet season and lowest during
dry season. Euglenophyta indicated significant
difference between seasons at P<0.05. ANOVA also
revealed significant difference between sampling Figure 2. Monthly mean variations in temperature of
sites at (P<0.05). The results of Shannon weiver Nasarawa Reservoir.
diversity indices and evenness showed a Shannon
(H) value of 3.098, evenness value of 0.58. The
pollution tolerant genera belonging to five groups
of algae from five sites of Nasarawa was recorded
(Table 3).
Nine pollution tolerant algal taxa were recorded
in Nasarawa reservoir during the period of the study.
The overall total score of Algal Genus Pollution
Index (Palmer, 1969) of Nasarawa reservoir was Figure 3. Monthly mean variations in pH of Nasarawa
calculated to be 25, showing evidence of high organic Reservoir.

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6 Yusuf, Z.H.

Table 3. Pollution index of Algal genera according to Palmer, (1969) at Five Sites of Nasarawa Reservoir.
Pollution Index
Algal Genera Site A Site B Site C Site D Site E
(Palmer 1969)
Bacillariophyta (42%)
Cocconeis sp. − − − + + −
Cyclotella sp. 1 − − − 1 −
Cymbella sp. − + − − + −
Diatoma sp. − + − − − −
Flagilariaforma sp. − − + + − −
Fragelaria sp. − − − + − −
Navicula sp. 3 3 − 3 − 3
Nitzchia sp. 3 3 3 3 − −
Pleurosigma sp. − − − + + +
Pseudonitzchia sp. − + − − − −
Rhizosolenia sp. − − − − + −
Skeletonema sp. − − + + − −
Stauroneis sp. − − − + − +
Surirella sp. − − − + − −
Synedra sp. 2 2 − − − −
Thalasionema sp. − − − + − −
Chlorophyta (24%)
Chlamydomonas sp. 4 − − 4 − −
Cladophora sp. − + − + − −
Maugeocia sp. − + + − + −
Microspora sp. − − − + +
Protococcus sp. − + − +
Spirogyra sp. − + + + + +
Tribonema sp. − − − − − +
Ulothrix sp. − + + + + +
Zygnema sp. − + + + + +
Cyanophyta(13%)
Anacystis sp. 1 1 1 − − −
Aphanizomenon sp. − − − + − −
Gomphosphaeria sp. − − − + − −
Nostoc sp. − + − − − +
Oscillatoria sp. 5 5 − − − +
Desmidiaceae(18%)
Closterium sp. 1 1 − 1 1 1
Genicularia sp. − + − − − −
Gonatozygon sp. − − − + − −
Micrastarias sp. − + − − − −
Penium sp. − + − + − −
Pleurotaenium sp. − − + + − −
Tetmemorus sp. − + + − −
Euglenophyta(3%)
Euglena sp. 5 5 5 5 5 5
Total 20 9 16 7 9
Key: + = present - = absent; Following numerical values for pollution classification of Palmer (1969), 0-10= Low
organic pollution 10-15= Moderate pollution 15-20= Probable high organic pollution 20 or more = Confirms
high organic pollution.

from 96 μS.cm-1 to 432μS.cm-1 with mean ± SE of mean ± SE of 0.18 ± 0.09 mg.l -1 (Figure 8).
222.8 ± 79.98 μS.cm-1 (Figure 6). Nitrate‑nitrogen Total dissolved solids in the reservoir varies
values vary between (5.1-28 mg.l-1) and indicated a between (270-46 mg.l-1) with mean ± SE value of
mean ± SE values of 13.95 ± 6.28 mg.l-1 during the 28.25 ±0.72mgL-1 (Figure 9). The Physico-chemical
period of study (Figure 7). Phosphate‑phosphorus parameters studied show no significant difference
values vary between (0.05-0.52 mg.l -1) with across the sampling sites except biochemical oxygen

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 Phytoplankton as bioindicators of… 7

Figure 4. Monthly mean variations in transparency of Figure 7. Monthly mean variations in nitrate-nitrogen
Nasarawa Reservoir. of Nasarawa Reservoir.

Figure 5. Monthly mean variations in biochemical Figure 8. Monthly mean variations in phosphate‑phosphorus
oxygen demand of Nasarawa Reservoir. of Nasarawa Reservoir.

Figure 6. Monthly mean variations in electrical Figure 9. Monthly mean variations in total dissolved
conductivity of Nasarawa Reservoir. solids (TDS) of Nasarawa Reservoir.

demand that was significant. Based on seasons all the the cool dry North-East winds. Indabawa (2010)
physico‑chemical parameters were highly significant reports variations in water temperature in the dry
except BOD that show no significant difference. season can be attributed to intensified heat radiation
Principal components analysis showed that the first and effect of harmattan. Lowest transparency in
two components were responsible for 76.8% of the site E could attributed to increased tributary input
total variation observed in this study (Figure 10). of suspended materials and increased surface run-off
Four Phytoplankton classes; Bacillariophyta, from the drainage basins. Higher water velocity
Chlorophyta Cyanophyta, and Desmidiaceae recorded during the rainy season was probably due
showed positive close relation with dissolved oxygen, to the high amount of flood which made the water
pH, transparency, and EC, while they were negatively flow faster and became turbulent most especially at
associated water temperature, nitrate‑nitrogen, and site E which was more riverine and site D that was
phosphate‑phosphorus. Euglenophyta was closely steeper than the other stations. Mustapha (2006)
associated with, water temperature, nitrate‑nitrogen, reported similar observations in Isinla and Moro
and phosphate-phosphorus. Lakes. Higher pH values were recorded during the
dry season and lower values during the rainy season.
4. Discussion The high pH values during dry season may be due
The low water temperature recorded in the to high photosynthesis of micro and macro
reservoir was in the dry season months of November, vegetation, shifting the equilibrium towards alkaline
February and March, which could be as a result of side (Trivedi, 1989) or due to low water levels and
seasonal changes in air temperatures associated with concentration of nutrients in water, while the

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8 Yusuf, Z.H.

Figure 10. PCA biplot showing the relationship between physicochemical parameters and phytoplankton of Nasarawa
reservoir during the study period Key: BOD; Biochemical oxygen demand, DO; Dissolved oxygen, EC; Electrical
conductivity, NRT-T; Nitrate nitrogen, PHP-P; Phosphate phosphorus, Ph; Potential hydrogen, WTR-T; Water
temperature.

decreased pH value in wet season may be due to the dry season. Surface water runoff, agriculture runoff;
effect of lower pH in rain and runoff water from washing activities could have also contributed to
the tributaries. The higher conductivity observed the high phosphate-phosphorus in the dry season.
during dry season in the reservoir may be due to A similar observation was reported by Balarabe
the evaporation of water in dry season due to high (2001). Higher wet season nitrate-nitrogen
temperatures. When water temperature increases, concentrations can be attributed to fertilizers,
so will conductivity. For every 1°C increase, decayed vegetables and animal matter washed by
conductivity values can increase 2-4% (Miller, rain. The most probable cause for the high nitrate-N
Bradford & Peters, 1988). Dissolved oxygen concentrations in the rainy season could be the
concentration of Nasarawa reservoir was generally leaching of excess fertilisers to the shallow
found to be higher during the dry season than the groundwater. Nagarajah et al. (1988) reported the
rainy season, with values ranging between 2.9 mg.l-1 use of high levels of organic manure from cattle,
in February to 2.92 mg.l-1 in September. The cool goats and green manure, and inorganic fertilisers
harmattan wind which increases wave action and and agrochemicals being applied to crops are
decrease surface water temperature might have responsible for the high concentration of
contributed to the increased oxygen concentration nitrate‑nitrogen in ground waters.
during wet season. Wetzel & Likens (2000), The phytoplankton community in Nasarawa
reported that larger oxygen concentration in the dry reservoir was characterized by five classes and thirty
season was related to the highest values of chlorophyll eighty genera. In this study contribution of each
and water transparency and the smaller concentration group of phytoplankton in term of abundance and
of chlorophyll was associated with the lowest oxygen composition was in the following order:
values. Araoye (2009) had also reported that high Bacillariophyceae >Chlorophyceae >Desmidiaceae
flood results in increased turbidity and this reduces >Cyanophyceae >Euglenophyceae The high
dissolved oxygen. Even though the significant temperature, bright sunlight, high transparency and
variation could not be established, the BOD level rapid tropholytic activities could render to decrease
in Nasarawa reservoir was found high in dry season in water level and bring the deep nutrient-rich areas
than rainy season. This is similar to the findings of into the fold of tropholytic zone, which increase
Mahar (2003), who suggested the reason for the phytoplankton biomass during summer dry month
high BOD was due the depletion of oxygen in the (Kozak, 2005). The tropholytic zone became
water during decomposition in dry season. exposed to the sunlight due to decrease in the water
Phospate-phosphorus of Nasarawa reservoir was level of the reservoir during the dry season period.
found to be higher in the rainy season than in the This huge water level reduction caused in July what

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 Phytoplankton as bioindicators of… 9

Naselli-Flores (2003) referred to as “breaking” of considered to be dominant and tolerant genera of

the thermocline; strong winds caused mixing of the polluted ponds (Palmer, 1980). The observation of
entire water column in the middle of summer when great seasonal influence on abundance of the green
a lake is supposed to be strongly stratified. The result algae earlier made by Sowunmi (2001) in southwest
was enrichment of the epilimnion with hypolimnetic Nigeria was also confirmed in the current study by
nutrients at a time of year when light and water increases during the dry season and decreases during
temperature are maximal and optimal for the wet season. The lower abundance recorded
cyanobacterial growth. This led to a rapid shift in during the wet season could best be attributed to
phytoplankton species composition and the further dilution of essential growth nutrients in the
establishment of a major bloom of toxic cyanobacteria area (arising from increased erosion and water
(Naselli-Flores & Barone, 2005). The excessive volumes, leading to increases in water current
drawdown has converted the monomictic lake into velocity) (Egborge, 1994). Significant dilution of
a polymictic one. Freshwater discharges from the essential growth nutrients for biotic communities
river causing turbidity and less availability of light is usually witnessed during annual episodic flooding
during rainy season could be responsible for the periods at the peak of rainfall, between August and
decreasing algal biomass (Gnanamurthy et al., November. Water bodies with algal Shannon‑Weiner
2013). The observed significant positive correlation diversity Index < 1 are classified as being heavily
between DO and the abundance of some polluted, 1-3 moderately polluted and >3 clean
phytoplankton species may be due to the fact that water (Wilm & Dorris, 2007). In the present study,
oxygen is produced during photosynthesis, therefore Shannon-Weiner diversity index ranges between 3.05
an increase in phytoplankton abundance comes for dry season and 2.94, it is clear that the reservoir
with a resultant increase in DO concentration. show moderate pollution level in the rainy season
A significant positive correlation between and less pollution in the dry season. This also shows
Transparency and abundance of some phytoplankton that the phytoplankton of Nasarawa reservoir was
species was observed. Increased Transparency more diverse in the dry season.
increases the intensity of solar radiation that can be
5. Conclusion
captured by phytoplankton, hence increased
photosynthesis and other metabolic activities with Phytoplankton diversity and abundance is a very
a subsequent increase in population density of important tool in the monitoring of the seasonal
p h y t o p l a n k t o n ( Ta n i m u , e t a l . 2 0 1 1 ) . changes in the Nasarawa reservoir, showing its
The dominance of diatoms could be due to the fact deteriorating condition during the dry season. Over
that they can withstand broadly changing all pollution indexes showed that all sites of the
hydrographical conditions (Gowda, et al. 2001). reservoir water confirms possible high to low organic
Wetzel (2001) stated that the predominance of pollution and Palmer (1969) suggested that algae
diatoms population is an indication of eutrophic are reliable indicators of water pollution as it was
conditions of reservoirs. Among the diatoms justified in present study. Phytoplankton could be a
recorded in Nasarawa reservoir, Nitzchia sp. and viable tool both for long term and community based
Navicula sp. which are good indicators of pollution monitoring of reservoirs putting into consideration
as described by Palmer (1969). Their high population of its inexpensive nature and ease to collect data.
in site C is indicated the site is more polluted than Its recommend that a sustainable management plan
the other sites. Chlorophyeae, Cyanophyceae and should be formulated and implemented in order to
Desmidiaceae were higher in the dry season than preserve the reservoirs ecosystem.
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