TRENDS IN NITRATE-NITROGEN, NITRITE-NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS CONCENTRATION IN EBONYI RIVER, NIGERIA
Authors/Creators
- 1. Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ebonyi State University, P. M. B. 053, Abakaliki Nigeria
- 2. Department of Zoology,Fisheries and Aquaculture Unit,University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria
- 3. Department of Applied Biology, Ebonyi State University, P. M. B. 053, Abakaliki-Nigeria.
Description
Nigeria was conducted between September 2006 and February 2008 to assess its potential in enhancing fisheries production for the benefit of the rural poor, who depend on the resources of the river for survival. The parameters measured were nitrate-nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen and phosphate-phosphorus. Results show that nitrate varied between 40.43mg/L in September 2006 and 1.73mg/L in December 2007, Showing significant difference (P<0.01) among months. The values recorded for nitrites varied between 0.2mg/L in September 2006 and 0.4mg/L in February 2008, showing significant (P<0.01) variation among months. Values recorded for phosphorus was highest (0.05mg/L) in the month of October 2006 while the least mean value (0.32mg/L) was recorded in the month of May 2007 and showed significant (p<0.01) variation in monthly means. It was concluded that the values of the measured parameters falls within tolerable range for enhanced fisheries development in the area.