An ecological study of a temporary pond in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Physicochemical factors such as temperature, transparency, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrate, silica, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, pH and conductivity of water in a seasonal temporary pond located at theUniversityofIlorin, Mini Campus were studied for 6 months between the months of April and September, 1999 during the rainy season.  Biotic communities of the pond were also quantitatively sampled.

     Ecological Interactions occurring between the Physicochemical factors and the biotic communities on one hand and the Interrelationships between the biotic communities on the other hand were also investigated.

     The rain has a tremendous influence on the physico-chemistry of the water as most chemical factors increase their concentration with the intensity of the rain.  Temperature varied between 20°C and 27°C, pH fluctuated between 6.2 and 7.5.  The biotic communities were classified into Planktons, Neustons, benthos and vascular flowering plants.  The bloom of the planktons decreased the concentrations of most ions and reduced the transparency of the water.