FUDMA Journal of Sciences (FJS)

AN INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL … Akinyemi et al., FJS

ISSN online: 2616-1370
ISSN print: 2645 - 2944
Vol. 6 No. 1, March, 2022, pp 44 - 53
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2022-0601-823

AN INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITY

STRUCTURE OF EKO-NDE RESERVOIR IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

*1Akinyemi, S. A., 2Chia, M. A., 1Jimoh, M. A., 3Okpanachi, I. Y., 1Oyeleke, D. O.

1Department of Plant Biology, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria.
2Department of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
3Department of Biology, Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno, Nigeria.

*Corresponding authors’ email: suwebat.akinyemi@uniosun.edu.ng +2348035439233

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8132-9275

ABSTRACT
This research was carried out to determine the relationship between physicochemical variables and
phytoplankton community of the Eko-Nde reservoir. Changes in physicochemical parameters of aquatic
ecosystems have significant impact on the species that live therein. Eko-Nde reservoir is of socio-economic
significance to communities that surround it, which necessitates a proper study of the phytoplankton
composition and environmental status of the reservoir. Water samples were collected from two stations in the
reservoir from January 2019 to August 2019 and analysed for physicochemical parameters, phytoplankton
composition and abundance. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on correlation models to assess
their prediction of phytoplankton community diversity. A total of 2039 cells ml-1 belonging to four (4) major
divisions were dominant in the order; Bacillariophyta (898 cells ml-1) > Charophyta (788 cells ml-1) >
Chlorophyta (302 cells ml-1) > Cyanophyta (51 cells ml-1). Principal Component Analysis and Canonical
Corresponding Analysis showed that certain physicochemical variables such as temperature, pH and total
hardness were key drivers of the phytoplankton community structure of the reservoir. Diversity indices showed
moderate abundance and distribution of phytoplankton species, with the highest diversity of species in the
months associated with the rainy season. The appearance of pollution tolerant species such as Anabaena
circinalis, Oscillatoria limosa, Nitzschia gracilis, Cymbella mexicana, Pediastrum boryanum, Synedra ulna,
Cyclotella meneghiniana and Gomphonema spp. suggest that the reservoir was on the verge of pollution.
Anthropogenic activities around the reservoir should be closely monitored to avoid health risks to humans and
endangerment of aquatic organisms.

Keywords: Species diversity, Physicochemical parameters, Water quality

INTRODUCTION documented in scientific studies (Chia et al., 2011; Ibrahim et

Phytoplankton is the bedrock of the food chain of almost all al., 2021) which leads to the formation of harmful algal
aquatic ecosystems (Babatunde et al., 2014). They serve a blooms with adverse influence on human health.
crucial role in maintaining the balance between living The phytoplankton flora composition in the reservoirs of
organisms and environmental factors since they are primary Southwestern Nigeria have been studied in recent years.
producers. Water is a major component of the biosphere and Dimowo (2013) studied the composition and abundance of
essential for continuous existence of living organisms. algae in River Ogun, Abeokuta, located in southwestern part
Ayanwale et al., (2012) describes water quality as a sum total of Nigeria. Akin-Oriola (2003) investigated the
of the physical, chemical and biological properties of water phytoplankton flora and physicochemical properties of the
with regards to their usefulness for living organisms. The Awba reservoir in Ibadan with findings that Microcystis
physicochemical parameters of water (such as pH, aeruginosa was the most prevalent phytoplankton species,
temperature, turbidity, total hardness, total dissolved solids, which has been linked to harmful blooms in freshwaters.
total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen Although a few studies have investigated the ecology of some
demand, conductivity and nutrient composition) have reservoirs in the southwestern region of the country, these
considerable impacts on water quality and phytoplankton studies constitute a tiny fraction of the numerous reservoirs,
community of aquatic ecosystems (Inyang et al., 2016) which making it difficult to understand the true state of aquatic
makes phytoplankton useful in monitoring the ecosystem. ecosystems of the southwestern region. The Eko-Nde
Phytoplankton are indicators of water quality because they Reservoir in Osun state supplies potable water to the
have a fast turnover rate and are sensitive to environmental communities that surround it. The study of physicochemical
challenges. Thus, a phytoplankton survey can assist in parameters in relation to phytoplankton community of the
determining the ecosystem's trophic state and level of organic reservoir will help understand its current ecological state
contamination (Ramchandra and Solanki, 2007). Many (Rani and Sivakumar, 2012). Thus, this study aimed to
researchers have stated that algae are trustworthy indicators investigate physicochemical parameters of water that are key
of contamination (Palmer, 1969; Patrick, 1970; Nandan and drivers of the phytoplankton community of Eko-Nde
Patel, 1986; Salmaso et al., 2006; Katsiapi et al., 2011). Reservoir, Osun state, Nigeria.
Increased eutrophication of West African rivers has been

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AN INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL … Akinyemi et al., FJS

MATERIAL AND METHODS of 138, 367 (Osun State Water Corporation Report, 1994).
Study Area Eko–Nde Reservoir (built on Otin River) is located in Eko-
Eko-Nde town is located in the western part of Ikirun, Osun Nde town, an agrarian community in Ifelodun Local
State. The coordinates are 7⁰ 55′ 60″ N and 4⁰ 34′ 60″ E in Government Area of Osun State (Fig. 1). It was created to
DMS or 7.93333 and 4.58333. It has a tropical climate with supply potable water to the communities of Oba, Eko-Nde,
an average temperature of 260C and an annual rainfall of Eko-Ajala, Ikirun, Iragbiji and Okuku (Adediji and Ajibade,
1,254 millimeters with peaks in July and September (Osun 2008). The reservoir is surrounded by a diverse cultivation of
State Water Corporation Report, 1994). There is little or no crops such as maize, cassava, yam, cocoa, kolanut and palm
rain between November and February. The town is located at trees (Oladejo, 2016).
an elevation of 377 meters above sea level with a population

Figure 1: Map showing the Sampling Stations of Eko-Nde Reservoir, situated in Ifelodun LGA, Osun State, Nigeria

Sampling and Analysis Dissolved Oxygen (DO): The dissolved oxygen

Water and phytoplankton samples were collected monthly concentration was measured with an oxygen meter.
from January to August 2019 at two stations created within Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): Biochemical oxygen
the reservoir body. Sampling stations were chosen based on demand was measured after the fifth day of incubation.
accessibility and the various activities that take place around Total hardness, Calcium hardness and Magnesium
the reservoir. Sampling stations were established along the hardness: Total hardness, Calcium hardness and Magnesium
length of the reservoir. The first station was located towards hardness were determined using titrimetric method (APHA,
the reservoir’s exit while the second station was located close 2005).
to the reservoir inlet characterized by high water flow rates. Total Alkalinity, Carbonate and Bicarbonate: Total
The two stations (at a distance of 500m apart) are under high Alkalinity, Carbonate and Bicarbonate were also determined
anthropogenic activities like fishing, farming and bathing. by the titrimetric method (APHA, 2005).
Water samples from the stations were analyzed for Phosphate and Nitrate: Phosphate and nitrate were
physicochemical parameters. determined spectrophotometrically according to APHA
Temperature: The water temperature was measured in-situ (2005).
with a digital thermometer. Potassium: Potassium was determined using CORNING’S
pH: pH of the water was measured using a PH meter (Hanna flame photometer.
Model H 1-98107). Calcium: Calcium was determined using the EDTA method.
Turbidity: Turbidity was determined with the use of a Secchi
disc.
Silica: Silica was measured as described by APHA (2005).

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AN INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL … Akinyemi et al., FJS

Chloride: Titrimetric method described by APHA (2005) using permutation tests and then selected by a variance
was employed for the analysis of chloride content of the water inflation factor (VIF). Only variables with a VIF of less than
sample. 20 were used in performing CCA.
Electrical Conductivity (EC): A conductivity meter was Physicochemical characteristics data were evaluated for
used to determine the conductivity of the water sample. normality and homogeneity of variance with Shapiro Wilk
and Levene’s tests respectively. Differences in mean of water
Collection of phytoplankton sample quality parameters were determined using a two-way analysis
Samples for phytoplankton were collected into 250ml plastic of variance. Separation of significantly different means was
bottles using a plankton net with a mesh size of 55µm. The done using the LSD test function of the ‘agricolae’ R package.
water samples were stored and fixed with 4% formalin in-situ All statistical analyses were done using R version 4.1.0 GUI
before transportation to the laboratory. They were then 1.76 High Sierra build for macOS at a 5% significance level.
viewed under a 3000/LED trinocular microscope with a
digital camera. RESULTS
Identification of Phytoplankton Physicochemical parameters
Phytoplankton species were identified using identification Variations in the physicochemical parameters of Eko-Nde
keys, available literature and standard books (Bellinger and Reservoir within the sampling period are shown in Table 1
Sigee, 2010). and Figure 2. The PCA (Figure 3) demonstrated the
Statistical procedure significance of some physicochemical parameters (BOD, DO,
Correlation models were used to evaluate the association EC, temperature, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity and pH)
between stations and sampling time with the community which had tremendous impact at the stations.
diversity indices used in this study. The segregation of The highest pH value (8.4) was recorded in July at Station 1,
phytoplankton into environmental gradients was explored while the lowest value (7.0) was recorded in February at
using canonical correspondence analysis. Also, analysis of Station 1. Total hardness was highest (90.4 mgl-1) in August
variance (ANOVA) was performed on the models to assess at Station 2 and the lowest value (30.4mgl-1) was recorded at
their prediction of phytoplankton community diversity. Station 1 in January. Total alkalinity was highest (66.1mgl-1)
Species richness was defined as the total number of in June at Station 1 and the lowest value (49.1mgl-1) was at
phytoplankton species sampled; the Shannon-Weiner index Station 1 in January. BOD was highest (0.18 mgl-1) in March
was employed to measure the species diversity weighted by at Station 1 and the lowest (0.11 mgl-1) was in August at
relative abundance (Magurran, 2004) and rarefied species Station 2. Dissolved Oxygen had the highest value (2.84 mgl-
1) in May at Station 1 (rainy season) while the lowest value
richness was used to account for differences in abundance of
phytoplankton between the months (Heck et al., 1975). (1.00 mgl-1) was in January at Station 2. The water
Community structure analysis and ordination methods used in temperature recorded was highest (27.40C) in August at
the present study were done using the ‘vegan’ R package Station 1, while the lowest (20.0 ºC) was at Station 2 in
(Oksanen et al., 2015). Canonical correspondence analysis January. Turbidity was highest (19.04 NTU) in July at Station
was performed to establish the relationship between 2 and the lowest value (9.4 NTU) was at Station 1 in March.
physicochemical variables and the phytoplankton of the Conductivity values ranged from 283.1- 392.1 uScm-1 with
reservoir. The abiotic variables that made independent and the lowest and highest values recorded in August and May
significant contributions to the variations of phytoplankton respectively in Station 1.
composition and abundance of the stations were identified

Table 1: Physicochemical parameters of Eko-Nde Reservoir, Osun State, Nigeria (Mean ±SD)
PARAMETERS STATION 1 STATION 2 P VALUE
Temperature (0C) 25.73 ± 1.44 25.15 ± 1.95 0.3485
pH 7.934 ± 0.47 7.885 ± 0.35 0.7405
BOD (mg/L) 0.1369 ± 0.03 0.1338 ± 0.02 0.6966
DO (mg/L) 1.821 ± 0.41 1.821 ± 0.42 1.0000
Turbidity (NTU) 14.16 ± 2.51 14.37 ± 2.99 0.8284
Total Hardness (mg/L) 61.75 ± 16.98 60.69 ± 16.72 0.8596
Total Alkalinity (mg/L) 55.71 ± 5.50 56.59 ± 4.84 0.6331
Calcium Hardness (mg/L) 54.23 ± 12.17 52.76 ± 12.24 0.7360
Magnesium Hardness (mg/L) 10.68 ± 2.72 11.05 ± 2.91 0.7150
Phosphate (mg/L) 0.9181 ± 0.28 0.9394 ± 0.30 0.8385
Potassium (mg/L) 1.804 ± 0.51 1.703 ± 0.69 0.6436
Nitrate (mg/L) 0.2638 ± 0.21 0.2113 ± 0.09 0.3531
Carbonate (mg/L) 47.37 ± 10.68 47.50 ± 10.83 0.9726
Silica (mg/L) 0.20 ± 0.18 0.2631 ± 0.22 0.3943
Chloride (mg/L) 19.87 ± 3.34 19.44 ± 2.78 0.6887
Calcium (mg/L) 22.01 ± 12.17 21.40 ± 12.24 0.6441
Conductivity (µS/cm) 343.4 ± 37.17 322.2 ± 28.39 0.0798
Bicarbonate (mg/L) 84.43 ± 8.56 83.88 ± 6.51 0.8396
Table 1 shows the mean, SD and range of the parameters taken at Stations 1 and 2 from January to August 2019 at Eko-Nde
Reservoir. There was no significant difference (p<0.05) for both Stations in this study.
SD: Standard deviation

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AN INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL … Akinyemi et al., FJS

A B C D
stations 1 2 stations 1 2 stations 1 2 stations 1 2

Anova, p = 0.062 1.5

Anova, p = 0.00026 Anova, p = 2.2e−06 Anova, p = 0.00024
* * ** ** * ** * * * ** 8 ****

Phosphate phosphorus (µg L-1)

0.6
15
)-1

6
1.0
Nitrate nitrogen (µg L

Turbidity (NTU)
0.4 10

pH
4

0.5
0.2 5
2

0.0 0.0 0 0

E F G H
stations 1 2 stations 1 2 stations 1 2 stations 1 2

Anova, p = 0.00014 Anova, p = 0.82 Anova, p = 0.01 Anova, p = 2.6e−11

* **** **** **** **** * ****
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg L-1)

0.15 75

)-1

)
20

-1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg L
2

Total hardness (mg L

Temperature(°C)

0.10 50

10 1
0.05 25

0 0.00 0 0

I J K L
stations 1 2 stations 1 2 stations 1 2 stations 1 2

Anova, p = 0.0045 Anova, p = 7.9e−07 15 Anova, p = 0.083 Anova, p = 0.2

** * ** ** *** **** *** ***
60
)

3
-1
Calcium hardness (mg L-1)

60
Magnesium hardness (µg L

)
)

-1
-1

Potassium (mg L
10
Alkalinity (mg L

40
40 2

5
20 1
20

0 0 0 0
April

April

April

April
January

February

March

May

July

August
June

January

February

March

May

July

August
June

January

February

March

May

July

August
June

January

February

March

May

June

July

August
Months Months Months Months

Figure 2: Monthly physicochemical parameters of Eko-Nde Reservoir

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AN INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL … Akinyemi et al., FJS

1.0

EC
TDS Temp

0.5

NO3
Hard contrib
pH
Dim2 (19.1%)

PO4 12.5

0.0 10.0
Alk 7.5
5.0

TURB 2.5
BOD
DO
−0.5

−1.0

−1.0 −0.5 0.0 0.5 1.0

Dim1 (36.3%)

Figure 3: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of Physicochemical Parameters in Sampling Stations

Phytoplankton Species and Density Bacillariophyta was represented by Gomphonema augur

A total of 2039 cells ml-1 belonging to four (4) major divisions Ehrenberg, Gomphonema parvulum (Kutzing) Kutzing,
namely Bacillariophyta (898 cells ml-1) > Charophyta (788 Cymbella mexicana (Ehrenberg) Cleve, Synedra ulna
cells ml-1) > Chlorophyta (302 cells ml-1) and Cyanophyta (51 (Nitzsch) Ehrenberg, Gyrosigma acuminatum (Kutzing)
cells ml-1) were recorded for the 2 stations of the reservoir Rabenhorst, Pinnularia viridis (Nitzsch) Ehrenberg, Nitzschia
(Figure 4). At both stations, Pediastrum boryanum (Turpin) gracilis Hantzsch and Cyclotella meneghiniana Kutzing
Meneghini (Chlorophyta) was the most dominant (207 cells among others (Figure 4). The taxa of division Cyanophyta
ml-1) followed by Cosmarium punctulatum Brebisson (181 was represented by Anabaena circinalis Rabenhorst and
cells ml-1) and Pleurotaenium spp. (Ehrenbergii) Nageli (144 Oscillatoria limosa (Roth) C.Agardh.
cells ml-1) of Charophyta.

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AN INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL … Akinyemi et al., FJS

January March May July

Months February April June August

Gomau

Oscli

Anaci

Pedbo

Cmicra

Cospu

Pleusp

Aulgr

Cycme

Nitgr
Phytoplankton species

Tabe

Eunpe

Dipov

Plean

Frusp

Navsp

Navex

Pdact

Pinvi

Gyrac

Synul

Cymme

Gompa
0

10

20

30

40

50
Cell density (cells mL-1)

Figure 4: Monthly Cell Density of Species found in Eko-Nde Reservoir

Phytoplankton Diversity (Figure 5)

Shannon-Wiener Index was 1.8 - 2.78 across the stations. Species richness and rarefied indices were 10.25 - 21 and 1.82 –
1.93 respectively. Shannon- Wiener Index showed significant variations in March, May, July and August; Species richness
Index showed significant differences in March, May and July; while rarefied index showed significance in only August.

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AN INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL … Akinyemi et al., FJS

A
Anova, p = 2.5e−06
* ** * **

2.6

Shannon diversity index

2.4

2.2

2.0

B
Anova, p = 4.1e−05
*

1.90
Rarefied index

1.85

C
Anova, p = 0.00022
* ** ***
20.0
Species richness

17.5

15.0

12.5
April

May

August
January

February

March

June

July

Stations
Figure 5: Monthly Diversity Indices of Species found in Eko-Nde Reservoir

Canonical Corresponding Analysis of Environmental Variables and Phytoplankton Community

Figure 6 shows positive correlation (P< 0.05= 0.008) between some physicochemical parameters and phytoplankton
community of the reservoir. The environmental variables of major impact on the communities were pH (P< 0.05= 0.004**),
temperature (P< 0.05= 0.027*) and total hardness (P< 0.05= 0.013*).

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Figure 6: Canonical Corresponding Analysis of Taxa found in Eko-Nde Reservoir

DISCUSSION agricultural activity in the catchment areas, including surface

The values of pH recorded in both stations were slightly runoff of fertilizers and pesticides.
similar to the results of Usman et al., (2017) in Ajiwa The months associated with the rainy season had the highest
reservoir who recorded pH range of 6.67 – 7.34. According to species diversity which demonstrated the effect of seasonal
U.S.E.P.A. (2005), a pH range of 6.0 to 9.0 is suitable for and physicochemical parameters on species abundance and
aquatic organisms and bottom dwelling invertebrates. Algae distribution. This result agreed with the findings of
require a certain pH range to flourish (Reed and Klugh, 1924). Mohammad and Saminu (2012) on Salanta River diversity in
This is due to a reduction in their ability to photosynthesize in Kano. The following classifications apply to the relationship
basic water. As alkalinity rises, the amount of carbon dioxide between species diversity and aquatic ecosystem pollution: >3
accessible for photosynthesis decreases (Singh, 1974). During = clean water, 1-3 = moderately polluted, and 1 = extremely
the immersion of photosynthetic plants in water with a high polluted (William et al., 2002). This indicated that the Eko-
pH, only carbonate and bicarbonate ions are accessible (Carr Nde reservoir is moderately polluted. A total of 23 algal
and Whitton, 1973). The water temperature recorded was species spanning four phyla were collected during two
highest (27.40C) in August at Station 1, while the lowest (20.0 seasons, with Bacillariophyta (13 species, 44.46%) having the
ºC) was at Station 2 in January (Fig. 2E). Kumar and Bahadur highest density, followed by Charophyta (3 species, 38.86 %),
(2009) posited that high water temperature decreases the Chlorophyta (1 species, 14.18%), and Cyanophyta (2 species,
ability of water to hold essential dissolved gases like oxygen 2.503 %). Bacillariophyta dominance has also been observed
which causes death of fish and other invertebrates , and thus in various freshwater habitats as reported by Okpanachi et al.,
a stressor in aquatic ecosystems. High water temperature (2015) in Wikki warm spring and Kadiri (2002) in Ikogosi
during the wet season in aquatic habitats may be due to warm spring. According to Arumugam et al., (2016),
characterized tropical weather conditions (Usman et al., considerable variances in phytoplankton diversity can be
2017). Temperature plays key role in phytoplankton linked to changes in biological percentage distributions of
dominance as reported by Zhu et al., (2021). According to the types of organisms as well as climatic and geographical
findings of this study, a gradual increase in water temperature variability. This could explain why phytoplankton levels are
and an influx of debris containing minerals can contribute to higher during the wet season than during the dry season.
pH change during the rainy season. The total hardness ranged Cyanophyta being the least abundant of the phytoplankton
between 39.4 and 90.4 mgl-1. Soft water has a hardness range taxa observed is consistent with Opute's (1991) findings in
of 10–50mgl-1, slightly hard water has a hardness range of 50– freshwater zones of the Warri forcadoes estuary and
100 mgl-1, hard water has a hardness range of 100–200 mgl-1 Okpanachi et al., (2015) in Wikki warm spring, Yankari game
and very hard water has a hardness range of > 200 mgl-1 reserve, Bauchi. The presence of blue-green algae
(APHA, 2005). Total hardness was found to be high during (Cyanobacteria) indicates that the spring is moderately
the rainy season, indicating a high concentration of nutrient-rich (mesotrophic eutrophic) (Okpanachi et al.,
bicarbonates and carbonates in the underlying rocks or soils 2015). The main factors driving the dynamics of the
of the ecosystem under study. This is in line with the work of phytoplankton community were pH, water temperature and
Kadiri (2000) on the Ikogosi warm springs in the western part total hardness and the correlation with the first ordination axis
of Nigeria. Environmental variables including BOD, DO, EC, showed that they are the most significant factors.
temperature, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity and pH were found Temperature, pH and total hardness had positive correlation
to have a significant impact on the reservoir as demonstrated with species belonging to Bacillariophyta: Gomphonema
by principal component analysis. This is in complete augur, Gomphonema parvulum, Cymbella mexicana, Synedra
agreement with Chia et al., (2011), who found a relationship ulna, Gyrosigma acuminatum, Pinnularia viridis ,
between meteorological conditions, solubility and Pinnularia dactylus, Navicula exigua, Pleurosigma

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AN INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL … Akinyemi et al., FJS

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RECOMMENDATIONS
 Anthropogenic activities that may likely contribute Chia, A. M., Bako, S. P., Alonge, S. O. and Adamu, A. K.
to pollution of the reservoir should be discouraged. (2011). Green algal interactions with physicochemical
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