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AARJMD VOLUME 1 ISSUE 18 (FEBRUARY 2014) ISSN : 2319 - 2801

Asian Academic Research Journal of Multidisciplinary

www.asianacademicresearch.org

703

A Peer Reviewed International Journal of Asian

Academic Research Associates

AARJMD

ASIAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH

JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY

LIMNOLOGICAL STUDIES AND ALGAL DIVERSITY, A USEFUL TOOL FOR

ASSESSMENT OF FISH POND WATER QUALITY.

NWEZE, N.O*;

MAHMOUD, L.B**;AISHA M. I.***

*Department of Plant science and Biotechnology,

University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

**Department of Plant science and Biotechnology,

University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

***Federal College of Education, Yola Nigeria.

Abstract

Algal species diversity and their relationship with physico-chemical parameters of a fish pond in

Yola, North-Eastern Nigeria were investigated from (July 2011 – April, 2012). Water samples

were collected, preserved and analyzed, using standard methods. The results showed that the

limnological parameters influenced the species distribution in the pond over time. Oscillatoria

and Anabaena species (Cyanobacteria) were observed in the pond water which was characterized

by low transparency, total dissolved solids (TDS) and poor dissolved Oxygen (DO). The

relationship between Cyanophyta / Desmidiales and chloroccales / Desmidiales was used as early

Phytoplankton indices to characterize the trophic status of aquatic ecosystem. Green algae

Mougeotia, Spirogyra, Chlorella specie and species of desmids Microasterias, Closterium and

Cosmarium were equally encountered in the pond. The results showed that both Chlorophycean

and Myxophycean indices were <1.

Keywords: water quality, bioindicators, desmid, Cyanobacteria.




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INTRODUCTION

Pond fishery is practiced in the north-eastern part of Nigeria on a large scale for

augmentation of fish product and hence makes an interesting biotope for physico-chemical and

biological studies. The anthropogenic inputs of complex mixtures from neighboring communities

and agricultural waste such as runoff of manures and fertilizers could lead to alteration of water

quality (Mustapha, 2006; Garg, et al., 2009). The primary concern of these anthropogenic

activities is its effects on the water quality and aquatic life. Water quality monitoring is of

immense importance in the use of water bodies for the management of fisheries (Mustapha,

2006, Nweze, 2009a).

Phytoplankton are of great ecological significance as primary producers in the aquatic

environment (Nweze, 2003; Barinova et al., 2008, Bellinger and Sigee, 2010). Human activities

such as, pond fertilization with fertilizers, obnoxious fishing practice; Fertilizer application,

pesticides and herbicides, used in agriculture and forestry are the commonest sources of human-

induced water pollution that bring about eutrophication, hypoxia, fish kill, disruption of food

web and changes in the community ecosystem (Mustapha, 2006; Garg et al., 2006b; Chia et al.,

2011).

In natural waters dissolved solids are composed mainly of carbonates, bicarbonates,

chlorides, sulphates, phosphates, nitrates, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, lead and

manganese, (Esmail and Johal, 2005; Garg et al., 2006a). The change in physical and chemical

parameters, calcium, sulphide, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, zinc, and water temperature, with

time could be attributed to dilution effects of rainfall (Biswas, 1992; Kadiri, 1993). The extent to

which microalgal species can tolerate trace metals make them potential indicators for the

presence and levels of these metals. Trace elements act as micronutrients at low concentrations,

while at high concentration they become toxic. For example Chlorococcus sp. is sensitive to Zinc

and Copper (Chia et al., 2011).

The use of biotic component of an ecosystem to assess periodic changes is a valuable

assessment tool that is receiving increased attention in water quality monitoring programmes

(Kenish, 1992; Ramachandra and Solanki, 2007). The growth of phytoplankton, is dependent on

sunlight and nutrient concentrations. Their short life cycle and sensitivity to changes earn micro




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algae the potential for monitoring water quality of aquatic ecosystem (Kenish, 1992; De Lange,

1994; Ekpenyong and Adeniyi, 1996; Radojevic and Bashkin, 1999; Ramachandra and Solanki,

2007, Bellinger and Sigee, 2010). USEPA (2002) reported that algae can be used for

environmental monitoring against pollution.

Some algal species and taxonomic group show clear preference for particular conditions

and this can be potential bioindicators. In broad comparisons of oligotrophic versus eutrophic

waters, desmids (green algae) tend to occur mainly in low nutrient waters while colonial blue

green algae are more typical of eutrophic waters. Small newly forms ponds are often dominated

by rapidly growing Chlorococcales (green algae) and euglenoids. The later are particularly

prominent to high levels of soluble organics. Some of the most hypertrophic and ecologically

unstable waters are represented by artificially fertilized fish ponds Potapova and Charles (2005).

In addition to individual species taxonomic grouping (assemblage) may also be useful

environmental indicators. Reynolds (1980) considered species assemblage in relation to seasonal

changes and trophic status, with some groupings typical of oligotrophic (Cyclotella

comensis/Rhizosolenia) eutrophic (Anabaena/Aphanizomeno/Gloeotrichia) and hypertrophic

(Pediastrum/Coelastrum/Oocystis) states. The use of algae and other organisms for monitoring

organic pollution was originally pioneered by Kolkwitz and Marson (1908). Palmer (1969)

assessed the tolerance of algal species to organic pollution, and incorporates data into organic

pollution index for rating water quantity.

Thunmark (1945), Nygaard (1949) and Stockner (1974) used major taxonomic groups in

determining early phytoplankton indices of Oligotrophic (particularly desmids) or Eutrophic

(chlorococcales, blue green, euglenoids) condition. The proportions of eutrophic/oligotrophic

species generated a ratio that could be used to designate trophic status of a water body. Accordi

to Bellinger and Sigee (2010) Algae groups rather than individual species result to quantitative

analysis and determination of trophic levels.

The objective of the research is to identify various algal species that can be use as

bioindicators, for monitoring various aquatic ecosystems and determine the trophic level using

standard indices.




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MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gesedaddo Farms is located in Yola South Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria.

The farm is located in Sudan savannah. Data captured using an e trek trip Mgr V5 map source

model revealed that the farm is located on latitudes 9.2o and longitudes 12.3

oE. Pond points are

on 144 and 142 latitudes 9.2oN and longitudes12.3

oE on points 137 and 143.

The temperature, dissolve oxygen (DO), pH, and conductivity were determined on the spot,

using portable dissolved oxygen analyzer (Model JPB-607, a PHS-25 pH, temperature meter and

DDS-307 conductivity meter. Transparency was measured using Secchi disc.

The calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, was determined titrimetrically following

standards methods of APHA (1995), and Radojevic and Bashkin (1999). The nitrates, sulphates

and phosphates were equally determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) at

Centre of Excellence FCE Yola following standard method of APHA (1995), Radojevic and

Bashkin (1999).

Wet mounts was prepared from fresh samples and examined using a compound

microscope, Swift (SA) No78c4018 model under x10, x40 and x100 objective lenses supplied by

Philip Harris Shenstone England. Dichotomous keys were used for identification of algae

following the methods of Prescott (1962,), Belcher & Swale (1976), Bellinger and Sigee (2010)

and the internet Photomicrographs were taken using a digital camera (Samsung camera 12.2

mega pixels.5X optical zoom).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The highest Temperature of 40oC encountered during April and lowered to 25

oC in

January (harmattan season) is a characteristic of seasonal variation of the northern parts of

Nigeria, as observed by Ekpenyong and Adeniyi (1996). Solar radiation was equally higher in

March (238.56 M/W/Cm2)

and lowest in August (162.95M/W/Cm2). Low relative humidity and

high wind speed were observed in the dry season. This climatic trend was equally observed by

(Nweze and Chumboh, 2006). The high weather factors coincide with the lowest dissolved

oxygen (DO), 4.0 mg/litre. These conditions favour the growth of phtoplankton that deplete

nutrients and dissolved oxygen and when this happens fish suffocate and as they are constrained




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in pond and cannot escape to a more oxygenated water. This can be a serious problem in

aquaculture (Chowdhury and Al Mamun , 2006).

Correlation among the physicochemical parameters during the period of investigation at

P=0.05 revealed that there is positive correlation between the water temperatures and nitrates

(NO3), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and bio oxygen demand (BOD) and Water temperatures

positively correlated with Sodium, (Na), Copper, (Cu) and total hardness and negatively

correlated with manganese (Mn), zinc,(Zn) and potassium,(K). Similarly Phosphates (PO4),

Sulphates (SO4) correlate positively with sodium (Na) and total hardness, and negatively with

magnese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). Whereas transparency, conductivity and TDS correlate positively

with Na, PO4, and total hardness.

Table 1: Comparing (Mean + S.E) of Algal count by Ponds.

Algae spp Pond 1 Pond 2 Pond 3

Chrococcus 42+9.87 22+6.11 23+10.33

Anabaena 15.5+4.74 16.5+3.3 46+9.91

Oscillatoria 45+9.57 29+6.74 27+5.38

Microcystis 1+1.00 0 17+10.33

Merismopedia 2+1.33 1.4+01.03 0

Spirulina 10+3.65 5.2+1.61 9+4.58

Dactylococopsis

fusicularia

0 0 1+1.0

Spirogyra 8+5.92 10+3.65 11+3.78

Mougeotia 44+21.76 12+3.59 12+3.26

Chlorella 107+19.61 29+6.40 48+9.40




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Cosmarium 48+10.93 31.60+7.73 18+5.92

Closterium 16+7.48 31+6.22 13+6.50

Desmo-desmus 8+6.11 3+1.52 6+2.66

Micrasterias 0 3+1.52 0

Scenedesmus 1+1.0 4+3.05 0

Oedogonium 32+8.53 15+3.72 21+6.57

Eudorina 3+3 27+8.17 2+1.33

Navicula 91+22.82 36+7.02 60+12.20

Nitzschia 21+9.48 17+6.15 23+9.19

Cyclotella 1+1.0 5+4.01 3+3.0

Ankistrodesmus 1.0+1.0 1.0+1.0 0

Gyrosigma 4+2.21 8+2.90 10+4.71

Synendra 13+6.15 10.5+4.50 13+5.97`

Correlation between physico-chemical parameters and algal species revealed a negative

relation between Closterium, Trahelomonas, and TDS, and positively with Zn. In Table 2,

Closterium correlated positively with Desmodesmus and Synedra species, Chrococcus, Navicula

species. and Oscillatoria species negatively correlated with Chlorella and Spirogyra species.

This finding also agreed with Turner et al (1991) that Mougeotia sp. forms substantial growth in

acid water and is widely regarded as an early indicator of environmental change. Chlorella sp.

has a pollution index of 3 and acts as a biocleanser (Palmer, 1969). Some factors that favour the

presence of desmids include pH value of 6.0-6.44 (Kadiri, 2007).




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The positive correlation between conductivity, transparency, DO, with phosphates (PO4),

nitrates (NO3), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and total hardness and negatively with potassium (K),

manganese (Mn) may be linked to the climatic conditions, solubility, and agricultural activities

around the catchment areas which range from surface runoff of fertilizers and Pesticides. These

agreed with the findings of ( Chia et al., 2009a, 2010).These complex mixtures alter the water

quality (Mustapha 2006; Garg et al., 2009).The introduction of cow dungs, fertilizers during

manuring/fertigation of fish ponds to encourage algal growth to serve as producers and

subsequent fish feeding. This agrees with the findings of (Nweze 2003; Barinova et al., 2008;

and Bellinger and Sigee 2010) that phytoplankton are of ecological significance comprising the

major producers in the aquatic ecosystem.

The algal composition during the ten month study period belongs to four (4) divisions,

Cyanophyta: Blue green algae (BGA), Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta and Euglenophyta.The

cyanophytes were Anabaena circinalis (Borge), Microcystis pseudo filamentosa, M aeroginosa

(Kuetz), Chrococcus (Naegeli), Merismopedia spp. and Oscillatoria annae (Vaucher).

Chlorophyta (green algae) were represented by Eudorina elegans (Ehr.), Chlorella vulgaris.




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(Beyerinck), Oedogonium capillare Him Tiffany, Spirogyra fluviatalis (Hilse) Mougeotia spp.

(Hassall) and Desmidiaceae, Closterium setaceum (Her & Ralf. C. calosporum Wittrock and

Closterium diane (Willie) Schroeder.

Correlation between algal species and physico-chemical parameters in the pond showed

that Micrasterias sp a desmid correlated positively with Zn and Closterium sp negatively with

TDS and Eudorina sp –vely with conductivity .This agreed with the findings of Chia et al

(2011) where Closterium sp and Rhizoclonium hookerii Kuetz were positively associated with

concentration of Fe and negatively correlated (sensitive) to TDS and Conductivity.

In this research, the mean total population of Chlorococcales was 37 individual per ml

comprising of (Ankistrodesmus (1), Chlorella (29), Scenedesmus perforata (4), Desmo desmo

(3). Desmidiaceae had a mean total of 95 made up of (Closterium sp. (31), Cosmarium sp. (31)

and Microasterias sp. (33).The Chlorophycean index is the ratio of Chlorococcales

/Desmidiaceae was 0.389 which was less than 1. This implies that the fish pond was

Oligotrophic. The result agreed with Chlorophycean index of USEPA (1976) and Bellinger and

Sigee (2010).

Myxophycean index, the mean total population of Cyanophyta was 83 individual per ml

comprising of (Chroococcus sp. (22), Anabaena sp. (16), Oscillatoria (29), Merismopedia sp.

(1), and Spirulina sp. (5). The ratio of Cyanophyta/Desmidiaceae was 0.873 which is less than 1.

This implied that the fish pond is Oligotrophic and the result agreed with Nygaard (1949).

Bellinger and Sigee (2010).

Conclusion

Analysis of water samples from three Ponds in Yola revealed the presence of a variety of

phytoplankton representing major division of Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, Euglenophyta and

Bacillariophyta. Some of which are toxic species. Qualitative and quantitative study of algae is

important biomarkers for biomonitoring of an aquatic ecosystem. They provide early signals for

timely intervention for the control of water pollution and conservation of biodiversity. The

relationship between physico-chemical parameters and algal – algal relationship, Cyanophycean

and Myxophycean indices for the water body investigated indicated the pond being Oligotrophic,

and henced suggested their usage as biomarkers. Thus frequent monitoring of ponds will

minimize threats to the fish and other aquatic organisms.




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