THE ROLE OF RIVER ETHIOPE IN TRANSPORTING TERRESTRIAL POLLUTANTS TO THE COAST AND ITS EFFECTS ON PHYTOPLANKTON DYNAMICS

This study investigates the role of River Ethiope in transporting terrestrial pollutants to the Niger Delta coast and the subsequent effects on phytoplankton dynamics and overall coastal ecosystem health. River Ethiope, located in southern Nigeria, traverses a region heavily impacted by agricultural, urban, and industrial activities, including oil exploration. These activities contribute significant amounts of nutrients, heavy metals, organic compounds, and solid waste into the river, which are then discharged into coastal waters. The accumulation of these pollutants in the aquatic environment poses serious threats to water quality, aquatic biodiversity, and the integrity of ecosystem services. The study aims to assess phytoplankton composition and distribution in River Ethiope, as well as to evaluate the effects of key pollutants on phytoplankton populations, which are critical indicators of aquatic ecosystem health. Given that phytoplankton form the foundation of the aquatic food web, their response to pollution such as eutrophication and harmful algal blooms can have cascading ecological consequences.Field sampling and laboratory analysis were conducted along different sections of the river, with particular attention to areas near pollutant discharge points. The findings of this research are expected to bridge a significant knowledge gap regarding the interactions between riverine pollutant transport and coastal ecosystem dynamics in the Niger Delta. The study also offers essential insights for environmental policymakers, resource managers, and conservation stakeholders seeking to mitigate the effects of pollution and safeguard coastal biodiversity and fisheries.