Full Length Research Paper

The dynamics of Desmidacean populations in Ologe lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria

Clarke, Edwin*, Olarinmoye, Oluwatosin M.¹, Owodeinde, Fatai G., Adeboyejo, Akintade O., Jimoh, Abayomi¹, Akintola, Shehu L.¹, and Aderinola, Oluwatoyin J.²

¹Department of Fisheries Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria.
²Department of Zoology Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria

*Corresponding author. E-mail: pisxs@yahoo.com

Accepted 5 February ,2008

An investigation into the dynamics of Desmidacean populations in Ologe lagoon was carried out for a period of 24 months. It covered identification, diversity and elucidating the influence of some physical and chemical parameters on temporal abundance and spatial distribution of the Desmidacea. Five villages around the lagoon were sampled using standard techniques. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using linear regression and hierarchical clustering. Eight Desmidacean populations were identified. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed that positive correlation occurred between the Desmidacea and Salinity (r = 0.043) and with surface water dissolved oxygen (r = 0.300). Regression plots further revealed positive influence with surface water temperature (Rsq = 0.798) and conductivity (Rsq = 0.602). The correlations were positive with NO₃-N at Ibiye (Rsq = 0.022) and Gbanko (Rsq = 0.013), PO₄-P at Ibiye (Rsq = 0.259), K at Idoluwo (Rsq = 0.296) and SO₄-S at Oto (Rsq = 0.934) and Gbanko (Rsq = 0.457). The most dominant species was Staurastrum species followed by Micrasterias species. Proximities transcended the borders of genera. The Desmid populations in Ologe lagoon, were patchy in spatial distribution, undergo seasonal perturbations and were highly influenced by nutrient inputs from Agbara industrial estate and surrounding farmlands.

Keywords: Desmidaceae, dynamics, dominance, perturbations.