PHYTOPLANKTON COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF RIVER BENUE, JIMETA, YOLA-NORTH L.G.A. ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the phytoplankton composition and abundance in River Benue, Jimeta metropolis, Adamawa,
Nigeria. Indiscriminate human activities are widely practiced in the developing nation of the world as it was observed
in River Benue at Jimeta metropolis, Yola. Water samples was collected from three different sites (A, B and C) within
the period of six months (August, 2016 to January, 2017) for the determination of phytoplankton. A total number of
271 Phytoplankton belonging to 5 taxanomic group were recorded from River Benue, Jimeta metropolis.
Chlorophyceae was represented by 102 individuals consisting of 37.94% by composition. This was followed by
Bacillariophyceae with 73 individuals (26.94%), Cyanophyceae 55 individuals (20.29%), Euglenophyceae 28
individuals (10.33%) and Rhodophyceae with 13 individuals (4.80%). Adequate monitoring of the water quality and
regulation of human activities in and around the River are to be recommended in order to reduce the excessive human
activities in the River and conserve it for a longer period.