Abstract:
The algae and physico-chemical characteristics of Adani rice field in Enugu State, Nigeria were studied during the wet season. Light microscopy was used for phycological studies and algae identified using text books, taxonomic keys and materials from the internet. Physico-chemical parameters were analyzed using the methods of American Public Health Association. Pearson correlation (P ≤ 0.01) and percentages were calculated to check for the relationships between the investigated parameters. A total of eight algal taxa belonging to Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, Euglenophyta and Bacillariophyta in order of decreasing abundance were recorded. The total Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, and Euglenophyta populations showed significant positive correlations with ammonia, monthly mean rainfall and lead respectively. Significant negative correlations were observed between water temperature and calcium; depth and TDS; TDS and nitrate, phosphate, potassium and zinc; pH and chloride and magnesium. Significant positive correlations were observed between depth and nitrate, phosphate, potassium and zinc; dissolved oxygen and nitrate; total alkalinity and calcium; chloride and calcium.
