Interrelationships among physical parameters in Ovia River, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

The physical parameters of Ovia River in Benin City, Edo State of Nigeria were studied for a period of 2 years (January-December) of 2005 and 2006. Fluctuations in physical parameters at the study stations were irregular throughout the study period. Transparency level ranged from 32.46±7.62 (September) to 116.2 ±6.20 (February) in 2005 and 42.88±4.16 (May) to 132.58±17.45 (February) in 2006. Water temperature varied from 25.50±0.52 (August) to 29.58±0.79 (April) in 2005 and 25.50±0.52 (August) to 29.92±0.29 (March) in 2006. Air temperature ranged from 24.88±3.39 (December) to 31.58±2.09 (March) in 2005 and 24.25±0.87 (July) to 30.75±1.86 (March) in 2006. Monthly rainfall ranged from 2.0±0.00 (January) to 664±0.00 (July) in 2005 and 2.0±0.00 (December) to 358±0.00 (September) in 2006. No significant difference (P>0.05) was recorded among stations except in air temperature which revealed significant difference (P<0.05) in both years. However, significant differences (P<0.05) was recorded in all parameters for both seasons except in the air temperature which was not significantly different (P>0.05) in 2005. In conclusion, the results obtained from this study fall within the acceptable range and is suitable for the biological life/existence of prawn hence their abundance in time and season.