Seasonal Changes of Phytoplankton of Lagos Lagoon and the Adjacent Sea in Relation to Environmental Factors.
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Date
1983-11
Authors
Nwankwo, D.I
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Publisher
University of Lagos
Abstract
Species composition and seasonal changes in the Phytoplankton of Lagoon and adjacent sea from November 1980 to October 1982 were investigated in relation to environmental factors. The physico-chemical parameters exhibited seasonal changes closing related to the pattern of rainfall while difference Phytoplankton assemblages were closely related to the salinity gradient. Phytoplankton assemblages had more diatom species composition in the dry than the wet season. Wet season assemblages were characterised by many pennate diatoms probably dislodged from the benthos during periods of high fresh water discharge but centric forms remained dominant at both seasons. The Phytoplankton of Lagos Lagoon and the adjacent sea belongd to four main algal groups; Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae and Dinophyceae. Qualitative and quantitative changes in the Phytoplankton occurred during the two-year seasonal cycle in responds to environmental changes. Salinity changes were correlated with other physico-chemical parameters in Lagos Lagoon. Fluctuations in species diversity and cell numbers are attributed to changes in salinity and influx of nutrient rich waters. In general, species were more equitably distributed during the dry season but usually much less so at the end of the wet season. Similarity between stations occurred throughout the Lagoon complex in the wet season whereas clear differences occurred in fresh, brackish and marine zones in the dry season.
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Keywords
Changes of Phytoplankton , Physico-Chemical , Lagos Lagoon , Environmental Factors
Citation
Nwankwo, D.I (1983). Seasonal Changes of Phytoplankton of Lagos Lagoon and the Adjacent Sea in Relation to Environmental Factors. A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Botany).University of Lagos.