Assessment of the distribution of aquatic macrophytes in Lafia and Doma Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The ecological distribution and taxonomy of aquatic macrophytes were assessed in Lafia and Doma, Nasarawa state Nigeria. Sixteen sampling sites were visited in each metropolis. The different wetlands and macrophytes were categorized based on their attributes. The relative frequencies of the macrophytes were determined in each town. Results showed that in Lafia, 62% are streams, 25% are swamps and only 13% are ponds. This shows that majority of water bodies in Lafia metropolis are streams because of the highest frequency and only few swamps and ponds are present in the study site. In Doma 94% are streams and only 6% are ponds. Nineteen (19) aquatic macrophytes were encountered during the study which belongs to eighteen (18) families. Ludwigia abyssinica was found to be the most highly distributed aquatic macrophyte in Lafia metropolis with a relative frequency of 68%. While in Doma, Mariscus longibracteatus was found to be the most highly distributed aquatic macrophyte as it was observed in twelve (12) locations visited with a relative frequency of 75%. Conclusively Lafia has more aquatic macrophyte than Doma which could be attributed to the differences in the nutrient status and human disturbances of the wetlands.

Keywords: Aquatic macrophytes, Doma, Lafia, Wetlands