Records of diatoms and physicochemical parameters of seasonal ponds in Zaria-Northern Nigeria

Abstract

A study of diatoms species composition, associated with four ponds in Zaria, Northern Nigeria was carried out between November 2005-January 2006 and June-August 2006. Twenty three taxa of diatoms were recorded in the study. Multivariate analysis showed that there were significant positive and negative relationships (P < 0.05) between some physicochemical parameters and diatom species in these ponds. CCA results showed that Synedra and Actinocyclus were closely associated with TDS, DO and water hardness; Nitzschia, Frustulia, Navicula and Coscinodiscus with NO-N and alkalinity; and Cyclotella, Tabellaria and Achnanthes with phosphate phosphorus 3 levels.