Spatial Distribution of Phytoplankton and Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Agaie-Lapai Dam, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Presence of phytoplankton displays water quality and useablity by aquatic life. Agaie-Lapai Dam located in Niger State (latitude 9⁰ 39N and longitude 6⁰33E) was constructed for irrigation purpose and also to serves as source of livelihood to fishermen living in surroundings. The objective of the present research was conducted to assess the distribution of phytoplankton and physic-chemical assessment of Agaie-Lapai Dam. Reservoir Water.  Samples were collected fortnightly and analyzed for phytoplankton and physico-chemical parameters. The dissolved oxygen ranged from 3.8 – 5.15mg/l and temperature from 24.6 – 29.0⁰C.  A total of 14 species of 5 taxonomic groups were recorded. Bacillariophyceae was the most abundant group (44%) followed by Chlorophyceae (26%) while the lowest was Dinophyceae (8%). Phytoplankton abundances in the following descending order: Bacillariophyceae>Cyanophyceae>Chlorophyceae>Chrysophyceae>Dinophyceae.The spatial analysis revealed that phytoplankton was not equally distributed in the water that enabled it to function as productive water body. The observed physico-chemical parameters fell within thus it was within the tolerable limits. It is expected that the identified species will enhance fish productivity.