Authors : R.M. Iorhiin, P.A. Annune, R.G. Okayi and M.E. Oyeniyi
Abstract: The study was designed to determine the distribution and abundance of phytoplankton in River Benue at Makurdi, Benue state. Studies were carried out from September 2014-August 2015 with sample collection from four different sites along the river. Twenty six species of phytoplankton were identified. Chlorophyta species were dominant with 50%, followed by bacciliarophyta (25%), dinophyta (5%), euglenophyta (3%), chrysophyta (1.5%) and rhodophyta (0.5%). High population density and biomass of plankton was observed during the months of dry season. Shannon weiner index ranged between 3.74-3.79 across the sites and the Lower River Benue at Makurdi was classified as highly diversed as values of Shannon weiner index were above 3.5 at all sampled sites. There significant variations observed in water quality and plankton abundance at different sample sites and seasons.
R.M. Iorhiin, P.A. Annune, R.G. Okayi and M.E. Oyeniyi, 2018. Distribution and Diversity of Phytoplankton in Lower River Benue, Makurdi, Nigeria. Agricultural Journal, 13: 16-23.