Zooplankton as bioindicators ofwater quality in Jakara dam, Kano state, Nigeria

Abstract

The study of zooplankton as bioindicators of water quality in Jakara Dam was carried out for a period of 12 months (March,2013-February 2014). Zooplankton and water samples were collected and analyzed using standard methods. Sampling sites designated as A, B,C,D, and E were chosen. Result of physico-chemical parameters analysed showed that temperature, secchi disk transparency, pH and electrical conductivity ranged between 25.3-23.9, 10.7-57.9 cm, 7.9-7.7 and 856.7- 817.9 μS/cm respectively, so also dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate and phosphate ranged between 4.5-3.3 mg/l, 2.5-1.7 mg/l, 23.8-14.3 mg/l, and 15.8-12.5mg/l respectively. Among the zooplankton, Rotifers were the dominant, contributing 27.10% of the total fauna composition. Cladocerans constituted 26.99%, Cyclopoida 16.15%, Calanoida 15.08%, and Protozoans 14.68%. However, a combined total of 36 zooplankton species were encountered, Rotifers had 10, Cladocerans 10, Cyclopoida 6, Protozoans 6, and Calanoida 4. The total fauna composition recorded was 2606.58 Org/l with the highest zooplankton density recorded at site D (631.64 Org/l) and lowest at site A (384.31 Org/l). Bosmina longirostris had the highest total species count of 250.88 Org/l while Afrocyclops monodi had 7.02 Org/l. Rotifers are signs of deteriorating condition of the water quality. Pearson’s correlation existed between zooplankton, nitrate, phosphate and electrical conductivity at P<0.01. During the period of this study, site A had low secchi disk transparency,high level of nitrate and phosphate. This is due to human activities taking place at the site.In a bid to providing safe water for domestic and industrial uses, water treatment plant should be provided to help in water treatment especially at site A (Bela community) of this research area.

Key words: Bela community, Deteriorating, Zooplankton, Water Quality, Jakara Dam