Author(s):
George, Ubong Uwem, Opeh, Patience Bassey
Abstract:
Spatial distribution ofrnbacteria and phytoplankton in Calabar River was studied for three monthsrn(January to March, 2015). Water samples were collected from the three samplingrnstations (Nsidung, Adiabo and Esuk-Utan) and preserved in the laboratory forrnphytoplankton and bacteria analysis. A total of thirty five (35) species ofrnphytoplankton
were recorded during the studies with Bacillariophyceae havingrnthe highest numerical abundance followed by Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae,rnDinophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Xanthophyceae and Chrysophyceae. There wasrnsignificant variation (p<0.05) in
distribution of phytoplankton in the threernstations
of the River. A total of eighteen (18) species of bacteria werernisolated (Cyanobacteria 9 and Heterotrophic bacteria 9). Heterotrophic bacteriarnwere higher in numerical abundance than Cyanobacteria. There was significantrnvariation (p<0.05) in distribution of bacteria in the three stations ofrnCalabar River. A positive correlation (r
2 = 0.4, p<0.05) wasrnobserved between
composition of phytoplankton and bacteria in Calabar Riverrnwith correlation coefficient r = 0.63. Based on these findings, it was observedrnthat phytoplankton diversity in the River system can contribute significantlyrnto the sustenance of
fishery. Control of human activities and prevention of sewagernentry into water bodies are to be key measures to avoid fecal pollution andrntransmission of water borne related infections
George, Ubong Uwem, Opeh, Patience Bassey. Spatial distribution and abundance of bacteria and phytoplankton in Calabar River, cross river state, Nigeria. Int. J. Fauna Biol. Stud. 2016;3(3):45-51.