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Analysis of Phytoplanktons Distribution and Physico-Chemical Parameters of Osara Dam, at Itakpe Iron Company of Kogi State, Nigeria

Ohiare Aliu Ademoh

Abstract

The aim is to analyze phytoplanktons distribution as well as physico-chemical parameters of water in Osara dam at Itapke Iron Ore Mining Company of Nigeria. Water samples from the dam were collected in 2 litre bottle samplers before 6-8am in the morning and put in an ice-chest and immediately been transferred to the Obangede hospital laboratory for phytoplankton’s identification. The analyses of physico-chemical parameters of water were carried out by the usage of Atomic Absorbing Spectrum (AAS). The species viewed in the Up-stream, Down-stream, Mining-point and Control site which are Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae families done only within six (6) months of dry season. Investigation is based on whether there is interference of effluents from the company into the water body and the available nutrients for phytoplanktons usages. T-test were used to test the mean and degrees of freedom as well as their hypotheses analysis. Graphs were plotted to show variation at different sites of the dam and how effluents affected phytoplanktons levels. There was a significant difference between the control site and mining site. Also, the amount of phosphate and nitrate found at the different sites investigated also had significant difference (P?0.005). Also, in the three sites checked there is no significantly different (P?0.05) in their temperature ranges. Effective and sustainable management of environments especially in areas where mining exploration takes place should be initiated from local to international and global scale to ensure a sustainable development resource for mankind in Nigeria and the world at lerge.

Keywords

PhytoplanktonsZooplanktonsBloomsBacillariophyceaeChlorophyceae

References

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