Preliminary Observations on the Nature, Taxonomic Composition, Distribution, Behaviour and Nutrient Requirements of the “Unusual” Algal “Jellies” of Oguta Lake in Southeastern Nigeria

✍ Scribed by Dr. C. S. Nwadiaro

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1989
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 939 KB
• Volume: 74
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1434-2944
• DOI: 10.1002/iroh.19890740605

✦ Synopsis

Preliminary observations were made between October 1982 and May 1983 on the nature, taxonomic composition, spatial distribution, buoyancy behaviour and nutrient requirements of some unusual planktonic algal ''jellies" in Oguta Lake in Southeastern Nigeria. These "jellies" are macroscopic, blue-green algal masses whose excessive mucilage of high consistency acts as substrata for other epiphytic components viz. diatoms and green algae. They are more abundant in the lentic areas of the lake, undergo diurnal vertical movements and have their growth enhanced by spikes of nitrogen and phosphorus salts into their aquatic medium. The effects of these "jellies" on the ecology and general water use of the lake are discussed. Speculations on the Teasons for their occurrence are given and possible control measures outlined. C. S. NWADIARO Location 5"41'-5'44' K, 6°45'-6050' E * Tohl surface area ( A ) * Jlusinium length (L) * Mttsimurn breadth ( b ) * Jlctzn breadth ( h ) * Maximum depth Z , * Avc-rage depth ( 2 ) * R,rlntive depth (a,) * Length of shoreline (A~I,) * Shorrlinc devclopnient (Dsr,) Tot.iil phosphorus Nitriltr-nitrogen Siliw, SiO, Conductivity Ditisolvcd oxygen (surface) Biochemical 0, demand ( 5 days, 25 "C)