Authors : J.F.N. Abowei , O.A. Davies and C.C. Tawari
Abstract: The phytoplankton of the lower Sombreiro River, was studied from August 2005-July 2006 using standard methods for examination of water and waste water. A total of 43 species from 5 taxonomic groups were recorded. Melosira granulata occurred most (5.2%) and Stephanodiscus asroea the least (0.7%). The family Bacillariophyceae was highest (50.3%) and Chrysophyceae, least (2.5%). The wet season recorded more phytoplankton (57.3%) than the dry season (42.7%). Station 1 had the highest record (32.9%) and station 4, the least (19.7%). There were significant differences in mean occurence between seasons, (F = 21.75, d.f. = 1467, p = 0.05) and among the stations (F = 11.91, d.f. = 1467, p = 0.05). The diversity indices ranged from 1.053-1.505 (Shannon-Wiener); 0.849-0.950 (Evenness); 3.759-7.226 (Margalef�s species richness) and 0.027-0.110 (Simpson�s dominance). The percentage total collection increased with increased temperature, increased conductivity and increased flow rate. However, it reduced with reduced temperature, conductivity, increased turbidity and rainfall. The correlation coefficients of phytoplankton abundance and physico-chemical parameters were negative with dissolved oxygen and pH. However, it correlated positively with flow rate.
J.F.N. Abowei , O.A. Davies and C.C. Tawari , 2008. Phytoplankton in the Lower Sombreiro River, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 3: 1430-1436.