Impact of physicochemical factors on zooplankton species richness and abundance in Bompai-Jakara catchment basin, Kano State, Northern Nigeria

A study on the impact of physicochemical factors on zooplankton species richness and abundance was carried out in Bompai-Jakara catchment for a period of two years (2009-2010). Six (6) sampling sites designated as A, B, C, D, E, and F were chosen. Plankton net of 70 êm mesh size of 25cm diameter was used in collecting grab samples of zooplanktons through vertical hauling. Physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, transparency, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were determined using mercury-inglass thermometer, pH meter, Secchi disk, DO meter and EC/TDS meter respectively. Monthly sampling was conducted between January, 2009 and December, 2010. Result showed reduced zooplankton species richness between 2009 and 2010 of 33 spp. and 21 spp. respectively. Likewise there was observed reduction in zooplankton abundance with 289.07 org/L and 218.0 org/L in 2009 and 2010 respectively. But there was no significant difference at P.0.05. There was significant negative correlation between zooplankton abundance and temperature, pH and TDS at P.0.05. This study revealed that physicochemical fluctuations was negative impact on the zooplankton species richness and abundance, thus, the need for the government to establish catchment management agency in order to curtail the menace that disrupt the aquatic ecosystem.