|
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management
World Bank assisted National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) - University of Port Harcourt
ISSN: 1119-8362
Vol. 20, No. 1, 2016, pp. 121-130
|
Bioline Code: ja16015
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
|
|
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, Vol. 20, No. 1, 2016, pp. 121-130
en |
Impact of Hypoxia on the Community Structure of Benthic Macroinvertebrates of Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria
NKWOJI, JOSEPH AHAMEFULA
Abstract
Study of the Lagos lagoon was conducted for two years to investigate the impact
of hypoxia on the benthic macroinvertebrates. Water and benthic samples were collected
monthly along the study stretch and analysed in a standard laboratory. Temporal variation in
water physico-chemistry was largely controlled by rainfall pattern while the spatial variation
was influenced by proximity to the Harbour as well as the pollution sources and types. A total of
3,159 individuals comprising three phyla, five classes, nineteen families and twenty three
species were recorded. Iddo I, Iddo II, Ogudu and Agboyi study stations recorded very low
individuals, but relatively high number of polychaetes. Benthic macro- invertebrate community
was dominated by the molluscs. Margalef’s index of species richness ranged from 0.79 to 2.57
while Shannon-Wiener index ranged from 0.40 to 2.19. Species evenness index ranged from
0.29 to 0.80. There was generally low biodiversity indicating the stressed nature of the study
area.
Keywords
Hypoxia; benthic; lagoon; diversity; macroinvertebrates
|
|
© Copyright 2016 - Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management
|
|