Studies on the Epiphytic Algae Associated with Two Floating Aquatic Macrophytes in a Sluggish Non-Tidal Polluted Creek in Lagos, Nigeria

• Main Authors: T.A. Adesalu, T.O. Abiola, T.O. Bofia
• Format: Publication
• Language: English
• Published: Asian Network for Scientific Information 2008
• Subjects: creek; epiphytic algae; non-tidal; Physico-chemical parameters; pollution

The algal flora associated with Ipomoea aquatica Forsk and Lemna paucicostata Heglem in a sluggish non tidal creek in Lagos, Nigeria were investigated bimonthly for six months (July to December 2004). Variation in the physico-chemical characteristics influenced the epiphytic algal communities and the parameters were governed by the seasonality of rainfall and waste discharges. Four major classes were recorded in this study, Bacillariophyceae (Diatoms) Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Euglenophyceae. The algal flora was dominated by diatoms (34 pennate forms and 5 centric forms). The continued deposition of domestic and industrial wastes into the creek probably enhanced the colonization of an array of tolerant aquatic macrophytes and epiphytic algae in the creek. The presence of Phacus, Leponcinclis and Trachelomonas (Euglenoids) which were known to tolerate organically polluted waters, may be a strong indication of the high pollution status of the creek. Ipomoea aquatica had more epiphytic flora in terms of number than Lemna paucicostata.