INFLUENCE OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES ON THE PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITIES OF RIVER RIMA IN KWALKWALWA AREA OF SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The studies on influence of human activities on the phytoplankton communities of River Rima in kwalkwalawa area of Sokoto State, Nigeria was carried out from April 2016 to September 2016, with the aim to determine the physiochemical parameters and phytoplankton diversity of the River. The river was divided into four stations; station A (washing and construction site), B (Fishing activities), C (Farming and irrigation site) and D (Undisturbed area). The parameters were determined using standard methods, procedures and instruments. The result revealed that water temperature (35±0.01ᵒC), PH (7.8±0.1), Turbidity (5.0±0.1NTU), Bicarbonates (1.8±0.1mg/l), Chloride (1.33±0.12mg/l), Dissolve Oxygen (6.9±0.1mg/l), Biochemical oxygen demand (31.1±13.72mg/l), Sodium (3.0±0.1mg/l), Potassium (0.9±0.22mg/l), Phosphorus (6.84±11.39mg/l), Nitrogen (0.7±0.26mg/l), Nitrate (1.4±0.02mg/l), Ammonia (1.2±0.01mg/l), Calcium (0.92±0.11mg/l), Magnesium (0.9±0.22mg/l) varied with month and seasons (P≤0.05). The result of phytoplanktons indicates that five groups were identified Chlorophyta, Baccillariophyta, Cyanophyta, Diatoms and Rhodophyta. Chlorophyta are the most diverse and abundant group. The river is influenced by anthropogenic activities such as runoffs of inorganic fertilizer and pesticides, fishing. The water in the river is used for irrigational and domestic purposes; hence there is need for an effective anthropogenic inputs control progrmme in the river.