Chemical composition of rivers and streams in the forest and savanna zones of Nigeria |
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Authors: | IF Adeniyi AMA Imevbore |
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Institution: | 1. Hydrobiology Section, Department of Zoology , Obafemi Awolowo University , Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria fadeniyi@oauife.edu.ng;3. Hydrobiology Section, Department of Zoology , Obafemi Awolowo University , Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria |
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Abstract: | The aim of this study is to investigate the differences in the chemical conditions of lotic waterbodies in the two major ecosystems in Nigeria, the forest and savanna zones. The forest waters were slightly acidic (mean±SD pH = 6.72±0.58) while the savanna waters were slightly alkaline (pH = 7.11±0.33). The cationic order of dominance in the forest waters was Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ in contrast to Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ in savanna waters. The forest waters were chlorided (typical of coastal and/or marine waters) whereas the savanna waters were carbonated in nature, typical of the worldwide freshwater. Organic carbon was significantly higher in forest waters than in the savanna waters (p < 0.05) while nutrient compounds were significantly higher in savanna waters than in forest waters. The seasonal variation of the chemical parameters was generally more evident in savanna than in forest waters. The differences in water quality between the two major vegetation zones reflect the differences in the biogeochemical processes and nutrient cycling that characterise forest and savanna ecosystems. |
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Keywords: | water quality nutrient cycling vegetation zonation savanna forest Nigeria |
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