DETERMINATION OF ALGAL CONCENTRATION ALONG THETRIBUTARIES OF IKO RIVER ESTUARY

Most aquatic systems around the world, including rivers, lakes and reservoirs, have undergone changes because of human–induced disturbances from land-use activities. Among the freshwater organisms phytoplankton, as primary producers forms the vital energy source at the first trophic tier. The research aimed at determining the Algal concentration along the tributaries of Iko river estuary in Eastern-Obolo, Akwa Ibom State. Estuary water samples were collected from a total of 3 different locations. From each location, the samples were collected in triplicates using sterile sample bottles. The samples were transported immediately to the laboratory for microbiological and physicochemical analyses. Water Samples from the location were made into composite samples subjected to physicochemical analysis. The various physicochemical parameters analyzed were pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids and UV-Vis Spectrometry which was used to determine the concentration of Algae. pH, temperature and total dissolved solutes of samples from the different sample locations showed a mean pH of 7.048, temperature, 28.08oC and total dissolved solute, 8516.2 mg/l. Data representation of turbidity (seen and unseen) across the 5 sampling stations were high in some areas (station 2,3,4,5). However, turbidity in station 1 was low (92.5 cm). The total dissolve solute of Iko estuary varied with stations. Algae sample concentration analysis using UV-Vis wavelength of 250 nm showed that station 2 had the highest concentration (3055.6) while station 1 had the lowest concentration (2125.4). It is therefore recommended that further studies should be conducted on the investigation of the specific types of algae present and exploring the impact of climate change on algal growth patterns along the tributaries of Iko River Estuary.