Physico-Chemical Parameters and Identification of Aquatic...

AASCIT Journal of Environment

2017; 2(1): 14-22

http://www.aascit.org/journal/environment

ISSN: 2381-1331 (Print); ISSN: 2381-134X (Online)

Keywords Physico-chemical Parameters,

Identification,

Aquatic Macrophytes,

Southeastern Nigeria

Received: February 24, 2017

Accepted: March 23, 2017

Published: June 6, 2017

Physico-Chemical Parameters and Identification of Aquatic Macrophytes in Three Tropical Rivers of Southeastern Nigeria: Implication for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystem Policy

Uneke Bilikis Iyabo*, Epepe Ifesinachi, Ucheji Ngozi Deborah,

Iteshi Philomina Oluchi

Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki,

Nigeria

Email address [email protected] (U. B. Iyabo) *Corresponding author

Citation Uneke Bilikis Iyabo, Epepe Ifesinachi, Ucheji Ngozi Deborah, Iteshi Philomina Oluchi. Physico-

Chemical Parameters and Identification of Aquatic Macrophytes in Three Tropical Rivers of

Southeastern Nigeria: Implication for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystem Policy. AASCIT Journal of

Environment. Vol. 2, No. 1, 2017, pp. 14-22.

Abstract The physico-chemical parameters and identification of aquatic macrophytes in the three

Rivers (Ochokwu Inyimagu River, Oferekpe River and Ndiegu Igbudu River) in Ikwo

Local Government Area of Ebonyi State were determined. Monthly changes in physical

and chemical parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, total dissolved solid,

and conductivity were analyzed for a period of four months from August to November

with the following results: Temperature ranged from 26.4 to 33.5°C, dissolved oxygen was

between 2.5 and 6.0 mg/L), pH (5.6-8.9), electrical conductivity (26-92 µs/cm) and total

dissolved solid (12-114 mg/L). All parameters were within the permissible limits and the

result indicates that the rivers are non-polluted and pH value also suggest that the rivers can

be used for domestic, irrigation, fisheries and other purposes since it ranges from less

acidic, less alkaline tending to neutral point. The identification was done by visually

observing and assessing the aquatic macrophytes growth of the rivers and the most

identified plants are from the families of Salviniaceae (3.1-3.3%), Polygonaceae (3.3%),

Leguminosae (6.67%) (Leguminosae mimosoideae (3.1-3.3%), Leguminosae

papilionoideae), (3.1-3.3%), Onagraceae (6.7-10%), Pontederiaceae (3.3-9.4%),

Nymphaeceae (3.3-6.3%), Convolulanceae (3.1-3.3%), Hydrophyllaceae (3.1%),

Cyperaceae (28.1-33.3%), Attyriaceae (3.1-3.3%), Amaranthaceae (3.1-3.3%), Asteraceae

(3.1-3.3%), Poaceae (18.8-30.0%) and the family Melastomataceae (3.1-3.3%). The

species of aquatic macrophytes found in the rivers indicate that both aquatic plants and

animals will be conducive living in the river. It is also understood from the result that

cultivation of some aquatic macrophytes will actually help to increase other aquatic

organism like fish into the river and therefore balancing the aquatic ecosystem.

1. Introduction

Aquatic plants are plants that have adapted to living in aquatic environment (fresh

AASCIT Journal of Environment 2017; 2(1): 14-22 15

water or salt water). They are also referred to as macrophytes

or hydrophytes [1]. Macrophytes constitute a diverse

assemblage of taxonomic groups and are often separated into

four categories based on their habit of growth: floating

unattached submersed, and emergent, floating unattached

plants are those in which most of the plants is at or near the

surface of the water. Roots, if present, hang free in the water

and are not anchored to the bottom. Floating attached plants

have leaves which float on the surface, but their stems are

beneath the surface, and their roots anchor the plant in the

substrate. Submersed plants are found when the entire plant

is below the surface of the water. Emergent plants are those

whose roots grow under water, stem and leaves are above the

water [2]. These plants required special adaptation for living

submerged in the water or at the water surface. Although

some of these macrophytes are reasonably rich nutritionally,

most are least preferred by macrophytophagous fish. With the

exception of one field observation on the utilization of fresh

Monochoria hastata by grass carp fry in cages, information

on their use as fish feed are almost non-existence [3]. Along

with some submerged and floating macrophytes, chopped or

whole Monochoria are supplied into the cage in the oxbow

lakes in Southwestern Bangladesh for raising fingerlings. It

has been observed that the roots and tender leaves of

Monochoria hastata are often eaten by grass carp fingerlings

[4]. In China, alligator weed is used for feeding Chinese

carps [2]. Fresh alligator weed is mashed into liquid form

with a high-speed beater and applied to the pond for carp

fingerlings. Extensive information on the diversity,

abundance and possible potential utilization of aquatic

macrophytes are however lacking. Aquatic macrophytes

plays vital role in healthy ecosystems. Macrophytes also

referred to as larger plants colonize many different types of

aquatic ecosystems, such as lakes, reservoirs, ponds,

wetlands, streams, rivers and marine environments. This

variety of colonized environments result from a set of

adaptive strategies achieved over evolutionary time [5] and

[6]. They serve as primary producers of oxygen through

photosynthesis, provide a substrate for algae and shelter for

many invertebrates, aid in nutrient cycling to and from the

sediments, and help stabilize river and stream banks authority

[4]. Biological filtration is an increasingly popular method of

sewage treatment, some aquatic plants are being used to

remove nutrients and reduce concentration of phosphorus and

nitrogen from raw sewage or from effluent sewage treatment

facilities. Aquatic plants are able to absorb other substance,

including pollutant such as phenols [7]. Macrophytes also

referred to as lager plants colonize many different types of

aquatic ecosystems, such as lakes, reservoirs, ponds,

wetlands, streams, rivers and marine environments. This

variety of colonized environments result from a set of

adaptive strategies achieved over evolutionary time [5] and

[6]. Macrophytes affect nutrient cycling through transference

of chemical elements from sediments to water by both active

and passive processes e.g. decomposition [8]. Limiting

nutrients released by macrophytes, like phosphorus and

nitrogen are rapidly used by micro-algae and bacteria which

also use organic carbon released by macrophytes, these

microorganisms may be free-living or attached to macrophyte

surfaces and their detritus [9-11]. In addition, several species

of macrophytes produce an elevated parentage of refractory

mater basically fibrous material that is relatively showed to

decompose [12]; thus they also contribute return of carbon to

sediment [13]. Macrophytes may also influence nutrient

cycling two other ways: retention of solids and nutrients by

their submersed roots and leaves [14] and reduction of

nutrients released from sediments by protecting against wind

and wave action [15]. Moreover, this protection against

waves also promotes the stabilization of shores and a

reduction in erosion [13]. Also, macrophytes may influence

several other physiochemical properties of the water column

from their metabolism [16]. Due to their high rate of biomass

productions, macrophytes have primarily been characterized

as an important food resource for aquatic organisms

providing both living and dead organic matter (detritivorous

food webs). It is true that macrophyte may represent an

important source of organic matter for aquatic herbivores and

detritivores in some ecosystems [17] and [18]. However, this

idea has been systemically rejected in most ecosystems after

stable isotope studies which have shown that algae, both free-

living and attached are often more important than

macrophytes in food webs. A part from this, from a purely

biological point of view, macrophytes affects the structure of

population in addition to the diversity and composition of

other aquatic assemblages. The effect of macrophytes on

populations and communities has been widely demonstrated

for a variety of organisms, such as micro and

macroinvertebrates e.g. fish [19]. The role of macrophytes as

physical structures that increase habitat heterogeneity in

aquatic ecosystems is widely recognized. Within certain

limits, comparing a water body lacking macrophytes (pelagic

zone) with one rich in macrophytes (lithoral zone) is the

same as comparing a barren sand dune to a luxuriant forest

[20]. However, humans do not always consider plants to be

so beneficial. Flooding of agricultural land is a concern for

plants can play a significant role in creating these problems.

Fishing is another concern, as tall emergent plants can

prevent access for shoreline fishing. Submerged species can

also spoil the gravel spawning beds of some fish (salmonids,

in particular) and high densities of photosynthesizing

macrophytes are capable of causing large fluctuations in

oxygen; this can stress many fish species [21]. While some

aquatic macrophytes deter certain disease-carrying

organisms, others provide an ideal habitat. Several human

diseases are transmitted through intermediate hosts that are

either dependent upon certain macrophytes for completion of

their life cycle or inhabit stagnant water resulting from the

obstruction of water-courses by vegetation. Schistosomiasis

(African sleeping sickness) is one example; the intermediate

host is an aquatic snail that lives among aquatic vegetation

[7]. Macrophytes are the plants that dominate wetland,

shallow lakes, and stream. Emergent aquatic macrophytes are

16 Uneke Bilikis Iyabo et al.: Physico-Chemical Parameters and Identification of Aquatic Macrophytes in Three Tropical

Rivers of Southeastern Nigeria: Implication for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystem Policy

defined as plants that are rooted in shallow water with

vegetative parts emerging above the water surface. It is

thought that emergent macrophytes are the most particularly

productive of all aquatic macrophytes since they make the

best use of all three possible states with their roots in

sediments beneath water and photosynthetic parts in the air

[22]. Therefore this study is aimed at identifying the aquatic

macrophytes and the implication of the physico-chemistry of

three rivers (tropical river flood systems) on diversity and

abundance.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area

Ndiegu Igbudu River is located at Ikwo Local Government

Area of Ebonyi state, South Eastern Nigeria. This river

empty it contents into Ebonyi River which is one of the

tributaries of the mid Cross River. This river is wide and deep

enough especially during the wet season when it over-flows

it bank the topography of environment is sloppy little forest

around and grass land all-over the place. Human activities

within the environment include: fishing, farming washing.

There is village market close to the river. Ndiegu Igbudu

river houses numerous flora and fauna including

macrophytes both floating, submerged and emergent species.

Ochokwu Inyimagu River is located at Inyimagu Mgbabu,

Ikwo Local Government Area in Ebonyi Central Zone of the

State. It covers about 1800kmsquare of the entire land mass

within the village. The village is optimally populated with

people whose their main occupation is farming and fishing

with few educated men and women. The river is connected

with Oferekpe river, Ukwanyim River, Akahufu river, Alama

river and Cross River which serves as the common boundary

between Ebonyi state and Cross River State. With the river,

and high nutrient value in the land due to river flooding the

people base totally on farming all through the year without

season. They cultivate tubers like cocoyam, cassava, potatoes

and yam. They also cultivate fruits like fresh tomatoes, pepper,

garden egg, okra, pumpkin, maize, plantain and rice in large

quantity. Water transportation is also one of the occupations of

the people with the use of boat (either manual or engine boat)

to convey people that is travelling to Ikom, Apiapum, Calabar

and Akwa Ibom state. Finally, the river is rich with natural

endowment (sharp sand) which the people of the area sell the

sand they made from the river to make their income.

Oferekpe River is located at Inyimagu Igbudu in Ikwo

Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. It is located in the

south-Eastern part of the State and covers about

1576kmsquare of the land mass within the village. The

village is optimally populated with people whose their

occupation is fishing and farming. The river is serves as the

boundary between Ebonyi State and Cross River State; with

the river, the people base totally on farming and they do not

have season for farming. They cultivate tubers like cassava,

potatoes, and cocoyam and fruits like fresh tomatoes, fresh

paper, garden egg, pumpkin and maize. Transportation is still

one of the occupation of the people with the use of boat

(either manual or engine boat) for people that is travelling to

Calabar, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States and country like

Cameroon and finally, the same river has a mineral (sharp

sand) and the people there sell the sand for income.

2.2. Collection and Identification of Aquatic

Macrophytes

Samples from the three rivers were collected from August

2014 to January 2015. Both macrophytes and water samples

were collected. Aquatic macrophytes were collected along

river banks and on the surface waters for the floating once

each time trip was made to the site for a period of four

months, both creeping and standing macrophytes were

collected. Collected macrophytes were arranged in white

paper and covered with paper envelop to avoid drying up. It

was quickly transported to Applied Biology Laboratory for

identification. Macrophytes were identified to species level

with a Handbook of West African weeds [23].

2.3. Physico-Chemical Parameters

During the collections some water quality parameters were

determined in situ include:

Water temperature: Digital thermometer was used to

determine the water temperature in situ each time a trip was

made to the site by dipping thermometer into the water until

a steady value was observed then recorded as the water

temperature in degree Celsius (°C).

Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH): This was determined in

situ using Hanna pH meter model HI96107. The meter was

calibrated using pH buffer at 8.9 then dipped in the water

sample until stead value was read, then recorded as pH values.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO): The amount of dissolved oxygen

was determined in situ by Winkler’s methods. A 300-ml glass

stopper BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) bottle was filled

with the water sample ensuring that there were no air

bubbles. 2ml of manganese (11) sulphate was added to the

collection bottle by inserting a calibrated pipette just below

the surface of the liquid and the pipette squeezed out slowly

to ensure that no bubbles were introduced into the sample

through the pipette. 2ml of alkaline potassium iodide solution

was added in the same manner. The bottle was carefully

covered with a stop cock ensuring that air was not introduced

and the sample mixed by inverting the bottle severally. The

sample was checked for air bubbles and if found the sample

was discarded. The presence of oxygen in the sample was

noticed by the appearance of a brownish-orange cloud of

precipitate. 2ml of concentrate tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid

was added to the sample. The bottle was carefully covered

and inverted several times to dissolve the precipitate. Then,

the sample was fixed. 2 ml of the sample in glass was titrated

with sodium thiosulphate (1 ml) until a pale straw colour was

obtained. This was done by slowly dropping the sodium

thiosulphate solution from a calibrated pipette and swirling

the sample. 2ml of starch solution was added to the sample

which gives a blue colour. Addition of the sodium


thiosulphate (B ml) continued slowly until the sample turns

clear which marks the end point of the experiment. The

concentration of dissolved oxygen in the sample was

equivalent to the milliliters equal of sodium thiosulphate used

during the titration as 1 milliliter equal 1mg/1dissolved

oxygen. That is concentration of dissolved oxygen = A ml+B

ml (knowing that 1 ml of sodium thiosulphate is equal to

1mg/ dissolved oxygen.

Conductivity: This was determined using Hanna

conductivity meter (model HI 98801). The meter was

inserted in the water at each site and allowed to attain a stead

value and then recorded in (µS/cm).

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): This was measured using

Hanna TDS meter (Model HI 98801). The meter was inserted

into the water and allowed to attain a stead value; the value

was recorded as TDS (mg/L)

3. Results

Physico-chemical parameters of the three river flood

systems were as follows; dissolved oxygen ranged from 2.5-

6.0 mg/l; pH values were 5.6-8.9; total dissolved solids

values were 12-114mg/l; temperature values were 22.1-

33.5°C and conductivity values ranged from 26-229 µS/cm

(Table 1).

The family of Cyperaceae has the highest species abundance

followed by the family of Poaceae in Ndiegu Igbudu River,

Ochokwu Inyimagu River and Oferekpe River, followed by

the family of Onagraceae, Pontederiaceae and Nymphaaceae.

Families of Salviniaceae, Amaranthaceae, Athyriaceae,

Convolvulaceae, Polygonaceae, Melastomataceae, Ipomaceae,

Leguminosae, Hydrophyllaceae and Asteraceae have the

lowest species abundance (Table 2). Highest percentage

(33.3%) of abundance of aquatic Macrophytes (Cyperaceae)

was recorded in Ndiegu Igbudu River with lowest percentage

abundance of 3.3% in nine families. Ochokwu Inyimagu River

ranked lowest with 28.1% in abundance of Cyperaceae and

3.1% in nine families however in the latter, percentage

abundance of the family Nymphaaceae was highest (6.3%)

(Figure 1, 2 and 3).

Table 1. The Physico-chemical parameters of the three river flood systems.

Ndiegu Igbudu River Month DO (mg/l) pH TDS (mg/l) Temperature (°C) Conductivity(µS/cm)

October 3.2 8.9 12 33.5 28

November 4.0 8.7 15 32.0 34

December 6.0 8.2 24 28.8 51

January 4.4 7.7 27 26.4 60

Oferekpe River

October 3.1 7.4 16 22.1 26

November 2.5 7.7 20 24.5 42

December 4.0 8.4 26 28.7 60

January 5.0 7.1 38 30.0 85

Ochokwu Inyimagu River

August 3.5 7.1 58 27.5 39

September 3.1 6.5 24 28.2 39

October 4.2 5.6 114 28.4 229

November 3.5 5.8 60 29.9 110

Table 2. Diversity of aquatic macrophytesin the three river flood systems.

River Family Species Abundance

Ndiegu Igbudu River Poaceae

Paspalum scrobiculatum +++

Panicium laxum +++

Sacciolepis Africana +++

Ischaemum rugosum +

Oryza longistaminata ++

Oryza barthii +++

Acroceras zizanioides +++

Total 7

Athyriaceae Diplazium Sammatii ++

Total 1

Convolvulaceae Ipmoea aquatic +++

Total 1

Cyperaceae

Cyperus thaspan +++

Kyllinga erectaschumah +++

Mariscus longibacteatus +

Rhynchospora corymbosa ++

Scleria verrucosa willd +++

Pycreus lanceolatis ++

Fimbristylis littoralis +




Fimbristylis ferruginea +++

Fimbristylis ferruginea ++

Cyperus difformis +++

Total 10

Salviniaceae Salvinia nymphellula Desu ++

Total 1

Pontederiaceae Helerantheranihera callifolia ++

Total 1

Polygonaceae Polygoum salicifolium +++

Total 1

Onagraceae Ludwigia hyssopifolia

Ludwigia decurrens

++

+++

Total 2

Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea lotus ++

Total 1

Melastomataceae Hetertis rotundifolia +

Total 1

Leguminosae Aeschynomene indica +++

Neptunia oleracea ++

Total 2

Asteraceae Eclipta alba +

Total 1

Amaranthaceae Alternanthera sessilis ++

Total 1

Ochokwu Inyimagu River Salviniaceae Salvinia symphelllula +

Total 1

Leguminosae Pipiliooideae Aeschynomene indica ++

Total 1

Onagraceae

Ludwigia hyssopitohia +

Ludwigia abyssinica ++

Ludwigia decurrens +++

Total 3

Pontederiaceae

Heteranthera callitolia +

Eichhornia natans ++

Eichhornia crassipes +++

Total 3

Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea lotus +++

Nymphaea maculata +

Total 2

Convolvulaceae Ipomaea aquatica +

Total 1

Hydrophyllaceae Hydrolea palustris +

Total 1

Cyperaceae

Cyperus hasspan ++

Scleria verrucosa +++

Pyecerus lanceolatus ++

Finbristylis littoralis +



Killinga erect schumah +++

Mariscus longibracteatus ++

Rhynchospora corymbosa +

Total 9

Athyriaceae Diplazium sammatii +

Total 1

Asteraceae Eclipta alba +++

Total 1

Amaranthaceae Alternanthera sessilis +++

Total 1

Poaceae

Panicum laxum +++

Elytrophorns spicatus ++

Sacciolepia africana +++



Ischaemum rugosum ++

Echinochola staginina +++

Oryza longistaminata +++

Total 6

Leguminosae Minosoideae Neptunia oleracea ++

Total 1

Melastomataceae Heterotis rotunditolia +

Total 1

Pontederiaceae Eichhornia crassipes +

Total 1

Ipomaceae Ipomea aquatica F. +

Total 1

Oferekpe river Athyriaceae Diplazium sammatii +

Total 1

Poaceae

Oryza barthii +++

Echinochola staginina +++

Acroceras zizanioides +++

Elytrophorus spicatus

Sacciolepis africana.

++

+++

Paspalum scrobiculatum +++

Panicum laxum +++

Ischaemum rugosum ++

Oryza longistaminata +++

Total 9

Cyperaceae

Fimbristylis littoralis ++

Scleria verrucosa +++

Pycreus lanceolatus +



Killinga erect schumah +++

Rhynchospora corymbosa +

Mariscus longibracteatus ++

Cyperus haspan +++

Total 9

Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea lotus +

Total 1

Onagraceae

Ludwigia abyssinica ++

Ludwigia hyssopifolia +

Ludwigia decurrens ++

Total 3

Melastomataceae Heterotis rotundifolia +

Total 1

Leguminosae mimosoideae Neptunia oleracea ++

Total 1

Leguminosea papilionoideae Aeschynomene indica +

Total 1

Asteraceae Eclipta alba ++

Total 1

Amaranthaceae Alternanthera sessilis +++

Total 1

Salviniaceae Salvinia nymphellula +

Total 1

Pentederiaceae Heteranthera callifolia +

Total 1

Keys: + Present, ++ Abundance, +++ More Abundance.



Figure 1. The aquatic macrophytes by family collected in Ndiegu Igbudu River.

Figure 2. Percentage abundance of aquatic macrophytes of Ochokwu Inyimagu River.

Figure 3. Percentage abundance of aquatic macrophytes of Oferekpe River.


4. Discussion

Dissolved Oxygen: The value of dissolved oxygen (DO) of

Ndiegu Igbudu River ranges from 3.2mg/l to 6.0mg/l with

maximum value (6.0mg/l) recorded in the month of

December and minimum value (3.2mg/l) in the month of

October. The high dissolved oxygen is accelerating

photosynthesis by phytoplankton, utilizing carbon (iv) oxide

(CO2) and giving of oxygen. This possibly accounts for the

greater quality recorded during the warmest month (summer).

The dissolved oxygen value in Oferekpe River fluctuates

from 2.5mg/l to 5.0mg/l. The maximum value was recorded

in January and the minimum value in November. The high

DO in January is due increase in temperature and duration of

bright sunlight has influenced on the percent of soluble gases.

This sunlight tends to accelerate photosynthesis by

phytoplankton, utilizing CO2 and giving off Oxygen. The

dissolved oxygen value in Ochokwu Inyimagu River

fluctuates from 3.1mg/L to 4.2mg/L. The maximum value

was recorded in October and the minimum value in

September. The high dissolved oxygen in October is due to

increase in temperature and duration of bright sunlight has

influenced on the percent of soluble gases. This sunlight

tends to accelerate photosynthesis by phytoplankton, utilizing

CO2 and giving off oxygen [16].

Total Dissolved Solids (T.D.S): The total dissolved solids

of Ndiegu Igbudu River fluctuate from 12mg/l to 27mg/l the

maximum value (27mg/l) was recorded in the month of

January. The total dissolved solids of Oferekpe River ranges

from 16mg/l to 38mg/l with the maximum value (38mg/l)

recorded in January and the minimum value (16mg/l) in the

month of October. The total dissolved solids of Ochokwu

Inyimagu River ranges from 24 mg/L to 114 mg/L with the

maximum value 114 mg/L) in the month of September. These

maximum values were recorded in the dry season.

pH value in Ndiegu Igbudu River was alkaline values

ranging from 8.9 to 7.7 with the maximum pH value (8.9)

was recorded in the month of October. Most of the bio-

chemical and chemical reactions are influenced by the pH.

The reduced rate of photosynthetic activities reduces the

assimilation of carbon dioxide and bicarbonates which are

ultimately responsible for increase in pH, the lower the

oxygen values coincided with high temperature warmest

season on the month. The pH value for Oferekpe River

shows alkalinity from 7.1 to 8.4. The minimum pH value

(7.1) was recorded in the month of January and the maximum

(8.4) in the month of December. This was due to bio-

chemical and chemical reactions that take place within the

months. In Ochokwu Inyimagu River, the pH value shows

alkalinity of 7.1 in the month of August, and an acidity of 5.6

to 6.5 in the month of October and September. This shows

that the river/water has little acid content. The high alkalinity

of the river in the month of August may be due to

biochemical and chemical reactions that take place within the

month. This higher in pH value observed suggests that

carbon dioxide, carbonate-bicarbonate equilibrium is affected

more due to change in the physico-chemical condition [3].

Water Temperature: The temperature of the water sample

in Ndiegu Igbudu River decreases as the dry season gets

warmer. This is as of the air that enters the river during the

harmattan period. The value of temperature ranges from

33.5oc to 26.4

oc with the maximum value (33.5

oc) was

recorded in October. In Oferekpe River, the water

temperature plays a vital factor which influences the

chemical, bio-chemical characteristics of water body. The

temperature value fluctuates from 28.7°C to 32.5°C with the

maximum temperature of 32.5°C recorded in November and

a minimum of 28.7°C recorded in the month of December. In

Ochokwu Inyimagu River, the water temperature plays an

important role which influences the chemical, biochemical

characteristics of water body. The temperature value

fluctuates from 27.5°C to 29.9°C with the maximum

temperature of 29.9°C recorded in November and a minimum

of 27.5°C recorded in the month of August; due to the heavy

rainfall observe during the month.

Conductivity: The Conductivity in Ndiegu Igbudu River

fluctuates from 60 to 28. The minimum value (28) was

recorded in October. The conductivity of Oferekpe River

ranges from 26 to 85. The maximum value of conductivity

(85) was recorded in January and the minimum (26) recorded

in the month of October. These actually suggest that at

January the conductivity level of Oferekpe River was high.

The conductivity of Ochokwu Inyimagu River ranges from

39 to 229. The maximum value of conductivity (229) was

recorded in October and the minimum (39) recorded in the

month of August and September. These actually suggest that

at October, the conductivity level of Ochokwu Inyimagu

River was high.

The aquatic macrophytes in fresh water ecosystem and

identification of the forces driving their abundance and

distribution from water quality degradation of the world fresh

water ecosystem over the past years has led to extensive

decrease in areas occupied by aquatic macrophytes as well as

the species loss promoting the step in macrophytes has

become a critical step in the restoration and rehabilitation of

these degraded aquatic ecosystem [2]. From the above results

gotten from the three rivers which showed the presence of

high TDS values gave room for favoring most of the aquatic

macrophytes and the pH value also suggest that the rivers can

be used for irrigational, domestic and other purposes since it

is less alkaline tending to neutral point. It is also understood

from the results that cultivation of some aquatic macrophytes

will actually help in the increase of other aquatic organisms

in the rivers, therefore balancing these aquatic ecosystems

[11], [24] and [25].

5. Conclusion

The three riversare not acidic and therefore can be used for

both domestic, irrigational and fishery purpose and can be

well used in culturing aquatic macrophytes especially the

families of Poaceae, Nymphaeceaeand Leguminosaeceae



should be encouraged in the river since it does not increase

the amount of total dissolved solids, pH, ordecrease the

amount of dissolved oxygen present in these rivers.

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[2] Westerdahl, H. and Getsinger, K. (2008) “Aquatic Plants Identification and Herbicide Use Guide” vol. 1: Aquatic Herbicides and Application Equipment, Technical Report A-88-9. U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Miss. Pp 117-129.

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