Physico-Chemical Parameters and Zooplankton Commmunity of Pindiga Pond, Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

The Abundance and Distribution of zooplankton and relationship with physico-chemical parameters of Pindiga pond in Akko LGA, Gombe state was determined.  Four sampling stations (A – D) were selected on the pond and the sampling was conducted weekly for a period of four (4) months (from July to October 2021). Zooplankton samples were collected using plankton net of 55μm mesh size by hauling horizontally for five meter. The collected samples were preserved in 4% formalin and 3 drops of lugols iodine solution and transported to the Biological Sciences laboratory of Federal University of Kashere for counting and identification using taxonomic keys. Physico-chemical properties were measured (Temperature using mercury-in-Glass thermometer, Transparency using Secchi disc, p^H, Total dissolved solute and conductivity using conductivity meter, Dissolved oxygen and Biological Oxygen Demand using Dissolved oxygen meter and Heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer). Shannon Weiner diversity and Margalef richness indices was employed for estimation of abundance and distribution. Results of the physico-chemical characteristics showed the ranges of Water temperature, Transparency, Water pH, Total Dissolved Solid, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Magnesium and Iron were 28.9-29.0⁰C, 0.48- 0.80m, 6.8-6.5, 702- 714mg/L, 1667- 1675 μS/cm, 3.3- 5.0mg/L, 1.5- 3.5mg/L, 3.80- 4.1mg/L and 1.63- 1.75 mg/L respectively. A total of 436 individuals of zooplankton species comprising of 24 genera among the four zooplankton taxa of Cladocera, Copepoda, Rotifera and Ostracoda were recorded during the study period. Outcome of the investigation reveals that physicochemical properties were within the range value recommended for most tropical water bodies according to standard recommendation of NESREA and so, the pond is suitable to sustain the accretion; continued existence and growth of aquatic organisms predominantly fish. Therefore, there is need to maintain its ecological integrity through sustainable use of its other resources.