International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies
2020, Vol. 8, Issue 2, Part B
Plankton diversity in the upper Benue river of Taraba state, Nigeria
Author(s): Barau BW, Bature AA, Bingari SM, David DL, Danba EP, Hammanjoda SA, Azuchukwuene CG and Fauziya KM
Abstract: A study to determine the plankton abundance and diversity of the Benue River in Taraba State was conducted between the months of July, 2017 – February, 2018. Water samples were collected along the River in Lau and Mayo-Ranewo towns and was analyzed for both phytoplanktons and zooplanktons. The results showed that 5,321 individual plankton were collected out of which, phytoplankton recorded 3,551 individuals (66.74%) and zooplankton recorded 1,770 individuals (33.26%). A total of twenty four (24) plankton genera belonging to nine (9) taxa was observed, out of which Phytoplankton’s recorded fourteen (14) genera equivalent to 58.33% while Zooplankton’s recorded only ten (10) genera representing 41.67%. In the phytoplankton category, the Chlorophyceae taxon had the highest species representative of seven (7) and the least Viridiplantae taxon with only one (1) species. In the zooplankton category, the taxon Arthropoda had more representative species of eight (8) and the least was the Rotifera taxa with one (1) species. The Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (Hʹ) showed that Lau is more diverse in terms of phytoplanktons 2.223 with an Equitability Index (HʹE) of 0.31 as compared to the 1.049 and 0.14 respectively obtained for Mayo-Ranewo. While interms of zooplankton, Mayo-Ranewo is more diverse 1.76 as compared to the 1.43 obtained in Lau. However, Lau showed more species Evenness (HʹE) of 0.65 compared to only 0.25 obtained in Mayo-Ranewo. Hence, it was concluded that the Benue River at both location is productive and continuous monitoring is required for conservation practices.
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How to cite this article:
Barau BW, Bature AA, Bingari SM, David DL, Danba EP, Hammanjoda SA, Azuchukwuene CG, Fauziya KM. Plankton diversity in the upper Benue river of Taraba state, Nigeria. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2020;8(2):120-125.