physico-chemical parameters and identification of aquatic...
TRANSCRIPT
AASCIT Journal of Environment
2017; 2(1): 14-22
http://www.aascit.org/journal/environment
ISSN: 2381-1331 (Print); ISSN: 2381-134X (Online)
Keywords Physico-chemical Parameters,
Identification,
Aquatic Macrophytes,
Southeastern Nigeria
Received: February 24, 2017
Accepted: March 23, 2017
Published: June 6, 2017
Physico-Chemical Parameters and Identification of Aquatic Macrophytes in Three Tropical Rivers of Southeastern Nigeria: Implication for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystem Policy
Uneke Bilikis Iyabo*, Epepe Ifesinachi, Ucheji Ngozi Deborah,
Iteshi Philomina Oluchi
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki,
Nigeria
Email address [email protected] (U. B. Iyabo) *Corresponding author
Citation Uneke Bilikis Iyabo, Epepe Ifesinachi, Ucheji Ngozi Deborah, Iteshi Philomina Oluchi. Physico-
Chemical Parameters and Identification of Aquatic Macrophytes in Three Tropical Rivers of
Southeastern Nigeria: Implication for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystem Policy. AASCIT Journal of
Environment. Vol. 2, No. 1, 2017, pp. 14-22.
Abstract The physico-chemical parameters and identification of aquatic macrophytes in the three
Rivers (Ochokwu Inyimagu River, Oferekpe River and Ndiegu Igbudu River) in Ikwo
Local Government Area of Ebonyi State were determined. Monthly changes in physical
and chemical parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, total dissolved solid,
and conductivity were analyzed for a period of four months from August to November
with the following results: Temperature ranged from 26.4 to 33.5°C, dissolved oxygen was
between 2.5 and 6.0 mg/L), pH (5.6-8.9), electrical conductivity (26-92 µs/cm) and total
dissolved solid (12-114 mg/L). All parameters were within the permissible limits and the
result indicates that the rivers are non-polluted and pH value also suggest that the rivers can
be used for domestic, irrigation, fisheries and other purposes since it ranges from less
acidic, less alkaline tending to neutral point. The identification was done by visually
observing and assessing the aquatic macrophytes growth of the rivers and the most
identified plants are from the families of Salviniaceae (3.1-3.3%), Polygonaceae (3.3%),
Leguminosae (6.67%) (Leguminosae mimosoideae (3.1-3.3%), Leguminosae
papilionoideae), (3.1-3.3%), Onagraceae (6.7-10%), Pontederiaceae (3.3-9.4%),
Nymphaeceae (3.3-6.3%), Convolulanceae (3.1-3.3%), Hydrophyllaceae (3.1%),
Cyperaceae (28.1-33.3%), Attyriaceae (3.1-3.3%), Amaranthaceae (3.1-3.3%), Asteraceae
(3.1-3.3%), Poaceae (18.8-30.0%) and the family Melastomataceae (3.1-3.3%). The
species of aquatic macrophytes found in the rivers indicate that both aquatic plants and
animals will be conducive living in the river. It is also understood from the result that
cultivation of some aquatic macrophytes will actually help to increase other aquatic
organism like fish into the river and therefore balancing the aquatic ecosystem.
1. Introduction
Aquatic plants are plants that have adapted to living in aquatic environment (fresh
AASCIT Journal of Environment 2017; 2(1): 14-22 15
water or salt water). They are also referred to as macrophytes
or hydrophytes [1]. Macrophytes constitute a diverse
assemblage of taxonomic groups and are often separated into
four categories based on their habit of growth: floating
unattached submersed, and emergent, floating unattached
plants are those in which most of the plants is at or near the
surface of the water. Roots, if present, hang free in the water
and are not anchored to the bottom. Floating attached plants
have leaves which float on the surface, but their stems are
beneath the surface, and their roots anchor the plant in the
substrate. Submersed plants are found when the entire plant
is below the surface of the water. Emergent plants are those
whose roots grow under water, stem and leaves are above the
water [2]. These plants required special adaptation for living
submerged in the water or at the water surface. Although
some of these macrophytes are reasonably rich nutritionally,
most are least preferred by macrophytophagous fish. With the
exception of one field observation on the utilization of fresh
Monochoria hastata by grass carp fry in cages, information
on their use as fish feed are almost non-existence [3]. Along
with some submerged and floating macrophytes, chopped or
whole Monochoria are supplied into the cage in the oxbow
lakes in Southwestern Bangladesh for raising fingerlings. It
has been observed that the roots and tender leaves of
Monochoria hastata are often eaten by grass carp fingerlings
[4]. In China, alligator weed is used for feeding Chinese
carps [2]. Fresh alligator weed is mashed into liquid form
with a high-speed beater and applied to the pond for carp
fingerlings. Extensive information on the diversity,
abundance and possible potential utilization of aquatic
macrophytes are however lacking. Aquatic macrophytes
plays vital role in healthy ecosystems. Macrophytes also
referred to as larger plants colonize many different types of
aquatic ecosystems, such as lakes, reservoirs, ponds,
wetlands, streams, rivers and marine environments. This
variety of colonized environments result from a set of
adaptive strategies achieved over evolutionary time [5] and
[6]. They serve as primary producers of oxygen through
photosynthesis, provide a substrate for algae and shelter for
many invertebrates, aid in nutrient cycling to and from the
sediments, and help stabilize river and stream banks authority
[4]. Biological filtration is an increasingly popular method of
sewage treatment, some aquatic plants are being used to
remove nutrients and reduce concentration of phosphorus and
nitrogen from raw sewage or from effluent sewage treatment
facilities. Aquatic plants are able to absorb other substance,
including pollutant such as phenols [7]. Macrophytes also
referred to as lager plants colonize many different types of
aquatic ecosystems, such as lakes, reservoirs, ponds,
wetlands, streams, rivers and marine environments. This
variety of colonized environments result from a set of
adaptive strategies achieved over evolutionary time [5] and
[6]. Macrophytes affect nutrient cycling through transference
of chemical elements from sediments to water by both active
and passive processes e.g. decomposition [8]. Limiting
nutrients released by macrophytes, like phosphorus and
nitrogen are rapidly used by micro-algae and bacteria which
also use organic carbon released by macrophytes, these
microorganisms may be free-living or attached to macrophyte
surfaces and their detritus [9-11]. In addition, several species
of macrophytes produce an elevated parentage of refractory
mater basically fibrous material that is relatively showed to
decompose [12]; thus they also contribute return of carbon to
sediment [13]. Macrophytes may also influence nutrient
cycling two other ways: retention of solids and nutrients by
their submersed roots and leaves [14] and reduction of
nutrients released from sediments by protecting against wind
and wave action [15]. Moreover, this protection against
waves also promotes the stabilization of shores and a
reduction in erosion [13]. Also, macrophytes may influence
several other physiochemical properties of the water column
from their metabolism [16]. Due to their high rate of biomass
productions, macrophytes have primarily been characterized
as an important food resource for aquatic organisms
providing both living and dead organic matter (detritivorous
food webs). It is true that macrophyte may represent an
important source of organic matter for aquatic herbivores and
detritivores in some ecosystems [17] and [18]. However, this
idea has been systemically rejected in most ecosystems after
stable isotope studies which have shown that algae, both free-
living and attached are often more important than
macrophytes in food webs. A part from this, from a purely
biological point of view, macrophytes affects the structure of
population in addition to the diversity and composition of
other aquatic assemblages. The effect of macrophytes on
populations and communities has been widely demonstrated
for a variety of organisms, such as micro and
macroinvertebrates e.g. fish [19]. The role of macrophytes as
physical structures that increase habitat heterogeneity in
aquatic ecosystems is widely recognized. Within certain
limits, comparing a water body lacking macrophytes (pelagic
zone) with one rich in macrophytes (lithoral zone) is the
same as comparing a barren sand dune to a luxuriant forest
[20]. However, humans do not always consider plants to be
so beneficial. Flooding of agricultural land is a concern for
plants can play a significant role in creating these problems.
Fishing is another concern, as tall emergent plants can
prevent access for shoreline fishing. Submerged species can
also spoil the gravel spawning beds of some fish (salmonids,
in particular) and high densities of photosynthesizing
macrophytes are capable of causing large fluctuations in
oxygen; this can stress many fish species [21]. While some
aquatic macrophytes deter certain disease-carrying
organisms, others provide an ideal habitat. Several human
diseases are transmitted through intermediate hosts that are
either dependent upon certain macrophytes for completion of
their life cycle or inhabit stagnant water resulting from the
obstruction of water-courses by vegetation. Schistosomiasis
(African sleeping sickness) is one example; the intermediate
host is an aquatic snail that lives among aquatic vegetation
[7]. Macrophytes are the plants that dominate wetland,
shallow lakes, and stream. Emergent aquatic macrophytes are
16 Uneke Bilikis Iyabo et al.: Physico-Chemical Parameters and Identification of Aquatic Macrophytes in Three Tropical
Rivers of Southeastern Nigeria: Implication for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystem Policy
defined as plants that are rooted in shallow water with
vegetative parts emerging above the water surface. It is
thought that emergent macrophytes are the most particularly
productive of all aquatic macrophytes since they make the
best use of all three possible states with their roots in
sediments beneath water and photosynthetic parts in the air
[22]. Therefore this study is aimed at identifying the aquatic
macrophytes and the implication of the physico-chemistry of
three rivers (tropical river flood systems) on diversity and
abundance.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Study Area
Ndiegu Igbudu River is located at Ikwo Local Government
Area of Ebonyi state, South Eastern Nigeria. This river
empty it contents into Ebonyi River which is one of the
tributaries of the mid Cross River. This river is wide and deep
enough especially during the wet season when it over-flows
it bank the topography of environment is sloppy little forest
around and grass land all-over the place. Human activities
within the environment include: fishing, farming washing.
There is village market close to the river. Ndiegu Igbudu
river houses numerous flora and fauna including
macrophytes both floating, submerged and emergent species.
Ochokwu Inyimagu River is located at Inyimagu Mgbabu,
Ikwo Local Government Area in Ebonyi Central Zone of the
State. It covers about 1800kmsquare of the entire land mass
within the village. The village is optimally populated with
people whose their main occupation is farming and fishing
with few educated men and women. The river is connected
with Oferekpe river, Ukwanyim River, Akahufu river, Alama
river and Cross River which serves as the common boundary
between Ebonyi state and Cross River State. With the river,
and high nutrient value in the land due to river flooding the
people base totally on farming all through the year without
season. They cultivate tubers like cocoyam, cassava, potatoes
and yam. They also cultivate fruits like fresh tomatoes, pepper,
garden egg, okra, pumpkin, maize, plantain and rice in large
quantity. Water transportation is also one of the occupations of
the people with the use of boat (either manual or engine boat)
to convey people that is travelling to Ikom, Apiapum, Calabar
and Akwa Ibom state. Finally, the river is rich with natural
endowment (sharp sand) which the people of the area sell the
sand they made from the river to make their income.
Oferekpe River is located at Inyimagu Igbudu in Ikwo
Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. It is located in the
south-Eastern part of the State and covers about
1576kmsquare of the land mass within the village. The
village is optimally populated with people whose their
occupation is fishing and farming. The river is serves as the
boundary between Ebonyi State and Cross River State; with
the river, the people base totally on farming and they do not
have season for farming. They cultivate tubers like cassava,
potatoes, and cocoyam and fruits like fresh tomatoes, fresh
paper, garden egg, pumpkin and maize. Transportation is still
one of the occupation of the people with the use of boat
(either manual or engine boat) for people that is travelling to
Calabar, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States and country like
Cameroon and finally, the same river has a mineral (sharp
sand) and the people there sell the sand for income.
2.2. Collection and Identification of Aquatic
Macrophytes
Samples from the three rivers were collected from August
2014 to January 2015. Both macrophytes and water samples
were collected. Aquatic macrophytes were collected along
river banks and on the surface waters for the floating once
each time trip was made to the site for a period of four
months, both creeping and standing macrophytes were
collected. Collected macrophytes were arranged in white
paper and covered with paper envelop to avoid drying up. It
was quickly transported to Applied Biology Laboratory for
identification. Macrophytes were identified to species level
with a Handbook of West African weeds [23].
2.3. Physico-Chemical Parameters
During the collections some water quality parameters were
determined in situ include:
Water temperature: Digital thermometer was used to
determine the water temperature in situ each time a trip was
made to the site by dipping thermometer into the water until
a steady value was observed then recorded as the water
temperature in degree Celsius (°C).
Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH): This was determined in
situ using Hanna pH meter model HI96107. The meter was
calibrated using pH buffer at 8.9 then dipped in the water
sample until stead value was read, then recorded as pH values.
Dissolved Oxygen (DO): The amount of dissolved oxygen
was determined in situ by Winkler’s methods. A 300-ml glass
stopper BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) bottle was filled
with the water sample ensuring that there were no air
bubbles. 2ml of manganese (11) sulphate was added to the
collection bottle by inserting a calibrated pipette just below
the surface of the liquid and the pipette squeezed out slowly
to ensure that no bubbles were introduced into the sample
through the pipette. 2ml of alkaline potassium iodide solution
was added in the same manner. The bottle was carefully
covered with a stop cock ensuring that air was not introduced
and the sample mixed by inverting the bottle severally. The
sample was checked for air bubbles and if found the sample
was discarded. The presence of oxygen in the sample was
noticed by the appearance of a brownish-orange cloud of
precipitate. 2ml of concentrate tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid
was added to the sample. The bottle was carefully covered
and inverted several times to dissolve the precipitate. Then,
the sample was fixed. 2 ml of the sample in glass was titrated
with sodium thiosulphate (1 ml) until a pale straw colour was
obtained. This was done by slowly dropping the sodium
thiosulphate solution from a calibrated pipette and swirling
the sample. 2ml of starch solution was added to the sample
which gives a blue colour. Addition of the sodium
AASCIT Journal of Environment 2017; 2(1): 14-22 17
thiosulphate (B ml) continued slowly until the sample turns
clear which marks the end point of the experiment. The
concentration of dissolved oxygen in the sample was
equivalent to the milliliters equal of sodium thiosulphate used
during the titration as 1 milliliter equal 1mg/1dissolved
oxygen. That is concentration of dissolved oxygen = A ml+B
ml (knowing that 1 ml of sodium thiosulphate is equal to
1mg/ dissolved oxygen.
Conductivity: This was determined using Hanna
conductivity meter (model HI 98801). The meter was
inserted in the water at each site and allowed to attain a stead
value and then recorded in (µS/cm).
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): This was measured using
Hanna TDS meter (Model HI 98801). The meter was inserted
into the water and allowed to attain a stead value; the value
was recorded as TDS (mg/L)
3. Results
Physico-chemical parameters of the three river flood
systems were as follows; dissolved oxygen ranged from 2.5-
6.0 mg/l; pH values were 5.6-8.9; total dissolved solids
values were 12-114mg/l; temperature values were 22.1-
33.5°C and conductivity values ranged from 26-229 µS/cm
(Table 1).
The family of Cyperaceae has the highest species abundance
followed by the family of Poaceae in Ndiegu Igbudu River,
Ochokwu Inyimagu River and Oferekpe River, followed by
the family of Onagraceae, Pontederiaceae and Nymphaaceae.
Families of Salviniaceae, Amaranthaceae, Athyriaceae,
Convolvulaceae, Polygonaceae, Melastomataceae, Ipomaceae,
Leguminosae, Hydrophyllaceae and Asteraceae have the
lowest species abundance (Table 2). Highest percentage
(33.3%) of abundance of aquatic Macrophytes (Cyperaceae)
was recorded in Ndiegu Igbudu River with lowest percentage
abundance of 3.3% in nine families. Ochokwu Inyimagu River
ranked lowest with 28.1% in abundance of Cyperaceae and
3.1% in nine families however in the latter, percentage
abundance of the family Nymphaaceae was highest (6.3%)
(Figure 1, 2 and 3).
Table 1. The Physico-chemical parameters of the three river flood systems.
Ndiegu Igbudu River Month DO (mg/l) pH TDS (mg/l) Temperature (°C) Conductivity(µS/cm)
October 3.2 8.9 12 33.5 28
November 4.0 8.7 15 32.0 34
December 6.0 8.2 24 28.8 51
January 4.4 7.7 27 26.4 60
Oferekpe River
October 3.1 7.4 16 22.1 26
November 2.5 7.7 20 24.5 42
December 4.0 8.4 26 28.7 60
January 5.0 7.1 38 30.0 85
Ochokwu Inyimagu River
August 3.5 7.1 58 27.5 39
September 3.1 6.5 24 28.2 39
October 4.2 5.6 114 28.4 229
November 3.5 5.8 60 29.9 110
Table 2. Diversity of aquatic macrophytesin the three river flood systems.
River Family Species Abundance
Ndiegu Igbudu River Poaceae
Paspalum scrobiculatum +++
Panicium laxum +++
Sacciolepis Africana +++
Ischaemum rugosum +
Oryza longistaminata ++
Oryza barthii +++
Acroceras zizanioides +++
Total 7
Athyriaceae Diplazium Sammatii ++
Total 1
Convolvulaceae Ipmoea aquatic +++
Total 1
Cyperaceae
Cyperus thaspan +++
Kyllinga erectaschumah +++
Mariscus longibacteatus +
Rhynchospora corymbosa ++
Scleria verrucosa willd +++
Pycreus lanceolatis ++
Fimbristylis littoralis +
18 Uneke Bilikis Iyabo et al.: Physico-Chemical Parameters and Identification of Aquatic Macrophytes in Three Tropical
Rivers of Southeastern Nigeria: Implication for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystem Policy
River Family Species Abundance
Fimbristylis ferruginea +++
Fimbristylis ferruginea ++
Cyperus difformis +++
Total 10
Salviniaceae Salvinia nymphellula Desu ++
Total 1
Pontederiaceae Helerantheranihera callifolia ++
Total 1
Polygonaceae Polygoum salicifolium +++
Total 1
Onagraceae Ludwigia hyssopifolia
Ludwigia decurrens
++
+++
Total 2
Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea lotus ++
Total 1
Melastomataceae Hetertis rotundifolia +
Total 1
Leguminosae Aeschynomene indica +++
Neptunia oleracea ++
Total 2
Asteraceae Eclipta alba +
Total 1
Amaranthaceae Alternanthera sessilis ++
Total 1
Ochokwu Inyimagu River Salviniaceae Salvinia symphelllula +
Total 1
Leguminosae Pipiliooideae Aeschynomene indica ++
Total 1
Onagraceae
Ludwigia hyssopitohia +
Ludwigia abyssinica ++
Ludwigia decurrens +++
Total 3
Pontederiaceae
Heteranthera callitolia +
Eichhornia natans ++
Eichhornia crassipes +++
Total 3
Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea lotus +++
Nymphaea maculata +
Total 2
Convolvulaceae Ipomaea aquatica +
Total 1
Hydrophyllaceae Hydrolea palustris +
Total 1
Cyperaceae
Cyperus hasspan ++
Scleria verrucosa +++
Pyecerus lanceolatus ++
Finbristylis littoralis +
Cyperus difformis +++
Fimbristylis ferruginea ++
Killinga erect schumah +++
Mariscus longibracteatus ++
Rhynchospora corymbosa +
Total 9
Athyriaceae Diplazium sammatii +
Total 1
Asteraceae Eclipta alba +++
Total 1
Amaranthaceae Alternanthera sessilis +++
Total 1
Poaceae
Panicum laxum +++
Elytrophorns spicatus ++
Sacciolepia africana +++
AASCIT Journal of Environment 2017; 2(1): 14-22 19
River Family Species Abundance
Ischaemum rugosum ++
Echinochola staginina +++
Oryza longistaminata +++
Total 6
Leguminosae Minosoideae Neptunia oleracea ++
Total 1
Melastomataceae Heterotis rotunditolia +
Total 1
Pontederiaceae Eichhornia crassipes +
Total 1
Ipomaceae Ipomea aquatica F. +
Total 1
Oferekpe river Athyriaceae Diplazium sammatii +
Total 1
Poaceae
Oryza barthii +++
Echinochola staginina +++
Acroceras zizanioides +++
Elytrophorus spicatus
Sacciolepis africana.
++
+++
Paspalum scrobiculatum +++
Panicum laxum +++
Ischaemum rugosum ++
Oryza longistaminata +++
Total 9
Cyperaceae
Fimbristylis littoralis ++
Scleria verrucosa +++
Pycreus lanceolatus +
Fimbristylis ferruginea ++
Cyperus difformis +++
Killinga erect schumah +++
Rhynchospora corymbosa +
Mariscus longibracteatus ++
Cyperus haspan +++
Total 9
Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea lotus +
Total 1
Onagraceae
Ludwigia abyssinica ++
Ludwigia hyssopifolia +
Ludwigia decurrens ++
Total 3
Melastomataceae Heterotis rotundifolia +
Total 1
Leguminosae mimosoideae Neptunia oleracea ++
Total 1
Leguminosea papilionoideae Aeschynomene indica +
Total 1
Asteraceae Eclipta alba ++
Total 1
Amaranthaceae Alternanthera sessilis +++
Total 1
Salviniaceae Salvinia nymphellula +
Total 1
Pentederiaceae Heteranthera callifolia +
Total 1
Keys: + Present, ++ Abundance, +++ More Abundance.
20 Uneke Bilikis Iyabo et al.: Physico-Chemical Parameters and Identification of Aquatic Macrophytes in Three Tropical
Rivers of Southeastern Nigeria: Implication for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystem Policy
Figure 1. The aquatic macrophytes by family collected in Ndiegu Igbudu River.
Figure 2. Percentage abundance of aquatic macrophytes of Ochokwu Inyimagu River.
Figure 3. Percentage abundance of aquatic macrophytes of Oferekpe River.
AASCIT Journal of Environment 2017; 2(1): 14-22 21
4. Discussion
Dissolved Oxygen: The value of dissolved oxygen (DO) of
Ndiegu Igbudu River ranges from 3.2mg/l to 6.0mg/l with
maximum value (6.0mg/l) recorded in the month of
December and minimum value (3.2mg/l) in the month of
October. The high dissolved oxygen is accelerating
photosynthesis by phytoplankton, utilizing carbon (iv) oxide
(CO2) and giving of oxygen. This possibly accounts for the
greater quality recorded during the warmest month (summer).
The dissolved oxygen value in Oferekpe River fluctuates
from 2.5mg/l to 5.0mg/l. The maximum value was recorded
in January and the minimum value in November. The high
DO in January is due increase in temperature and duration of
bright sunlight has influenced on the percent of soluble gases.
This sunlight tends to accelerate photosynthesis by
phytoplankton, utilizing CO2 and giving off Oxygen. The
dissolved oxygen value in Ochokwu Inyimagu River
fluctuates from 3.1mg/L to 4.2mg/L. The maximum value
was recorded in October and the minimum value in
September. The high dissolved oxygen in October is due to
increase in temperature and duration of bright sunlight has
influenced on the percent of soluble gases. This sunlight
tends to accelerate photosynthesis by phytoplankton, utilizing
CO2 and giving off oxygen [16].
Total Dissolved Solids (T.D.S): The total dissolved solids
of Ndiegu Igbudu River fluctuate from 12mg/l to 27mg/l the
maximum value (27mg/l) was recorded in the month of
January. The total dissolved solids of Oferekpe River ranges
from 16mg/l to 38mg/l with the maximum value (38mg/l)
recorded in January and the minimum value (16mg/l) in the
month of October. The total dissolved solids of Ochokwu
Inyimagu River ranges from 24 mg/L to 114 mg/L with the
maximum value 114 mg/L) in the month of September. These
maximum values were recorded in the dry season.
pH value in Ndiegu Igbudu River was alkaline values
ranging from 8.9 to 7.7 with the maximum pH value (8.9)
was recorded in the month of October. Most of the bio-
chemical and chemical reactions are influenced by the pH.
The reduced rate of photosynthetic activities reduces the
assimilation of carbon dioxide and bicarbonates which are
ultimately responsible for increase in pH, the lower the
oxygen values coincided with high temperature warmest
season on the month. The pH value for Oferekpe River
shows alkalinity from 7.1 to 8.4. The minimum pH value
(7.1) was recorded in the month of January and the maximum
(8.4) in the month of December. This was due to bio-
chemical and chemical reactions that take place within the
months. In Ochokwu Inyimagu River, the pH value shows
alkalinity of 7.1 in the month of August, and an acidity of 5.6
to 6.5 in the month of October and September. This shows
that the river/water has little acid content. The high alkalinity
of the river in the month of August may be due to
biochemical and chemical reactions that take place within the
month. This higher in pH value observed suggests that
carbon dioxide, carbonate-bicarbonate equilibrium is affected
more due to change in the physico-chemical condition [3].
Water Temperature: The temperature of the water sample
in Ndiegu Igbudu River decreases as the dry season gets
warmer. This is as of the air that enters the river during the
harmattan period. The value of temperature ranges from
33.5oc to 26.4
oc with the maximum value (33.5
oc) was
recorded in October. In Oferekpe River, the water
temperature plays a vital factor which influences the
chemical, bio-chemical characteristics of water body. The
temperature value fluctuates from 28.7°C to 32.5°C with the
maximum temperature of 32.5°C recorded in November and
a minimum of 28.7°C recorded in the month of December. In
Ochokwu Inyimagu River, the water temperature plays an
important role which influences the chemical, biochemical
characteristics of water body. The temperature value
fluctuates from 27.5°C to 29.9°C with the maximum
temperature of 29.9°C recorded in November and a minimum
of 27.5°C recorded in the month of August; due to the heavy
rainfall observe during the month.
Conductivity: The Conductivity in Ndiegu Igbudu River
fluctuates from 60 to 28. The minimum value (28) was
recorded in October. The conductivity of Oferekpe River
ranges from 26 to 85. The maximum value of conductivity
(85) was recorded in January and the minimum (26) recorded
in the month of October. These actually suggest that at
January the conductivity level of Oferekpe River was high.
The conductivity of Ochokwu Inyimagu River ranges from
39 to 229. The maximum value of conductivity (229) was
recorded in October and the minimum (39) recorded in the
month of August and September. These actually suggest that
at October, the conductivity level of Ochokwu Inyimagu
River was high.
The aquatic macrophytes in fresh water ecosystem and
identification of the forces driving their abundance and
distribution from water quality degradation of the world fresh
water ecosystem over the past years has led to extensive
decrease in areas occupied by aquatic macrophytes as well as
the species loss promoting the step in macrophytes has
become a critical step in the restoration and rehabilitation of
these degraded aquatic ecosystem [2]. From the above results
gotten from the three rivers which showed the presence of
high TDS values gave room for favoring most of the aquatic
macrophytes and the pH value also suggest that the rivers can
be used for irrigational, domestic and other purposes since it
is less alkaline tending to neutral point. It is also understood
from the results that cultivation of some aquatic macrophytes
will actually help in the increase of other aquatic organisms
in the rivers, therefore balancing these aquatic ecosystems
[11], [24] and [25].
5. Conclusion
The three riversare not acidic and therefore can be used for
both domestic, irrigational and fishery purpose and can be
well used in culturing aquatic macrophytes especially the
families of Poaceae, Nymphaeceaeand Leguminosaeceae
22 Uneke Bilikis Iyabo et al.: Physico-Chemical Parameters and Identification of Aquatic Macrophytes in Three Tropical
Rivers of Southeastern Nigeria: Implication for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystem Policy
should be encouraged in the river since it does not increase
the amount of total dissolved solids, pH, ordecrease the
amount of dissolved oxygen present in these rivers.
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