Abstract:

The physico-chemical as well as macro invertebrate characteristics of Anya stream in Amaoba community, Abia state, Nigeria, was studied over a period of 5 months. The stream was investigated in 3 different outlined stations based on degree of human interaction and the plant community along the stream. The result indicated that human interaction influenced to an extent the Physico-chemical parameters. The phosphate values recorded between 0.67 ±0.22 and 0.77± 0.18 mg/l. Total hardness ranged from 7.66± 0.06 to 20.33 ± 9.16mg/l, while dissolved oxygen varied from 0.73± 0.13 to 3.76 ± 0.56 mg/l. The rainfall amount recorded within the period of study influenced some of the parameters. The temperature of water surface was lower in rainy months than in the dry ones. The nitrate concentration increased with the rainfall amount recorded. All parameters assessed except for pH and total phosphate varied within the acceptable standard of World Health Organization (WHO), Standard of Nigeria (SON), European Economic Community (EEC) and Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV). Significant differences (p< 0.05) monthly concentrations of the evaluated chemical parameters where observed when subjected to Duncan and LSD analysis. However, there was no significant difference (p<0.05) among stations. The zooplanktons encountered included Branchionus plicatilis, Cyclops sp., Calanus hyperboreus and Moina sp. The phytoplanktons included Spirogyra, Euglena, Green algae, Blue-green algae while the macroinvertebrates were Water strider, Dragon flies, Damsel flies, Beetles, Water bugs, immature stages of Mosquitoes (larva, pupa) and the adults respectively. Chlorophycene (spirogyra), had the highest cell density of phytoplankton with 100.0% abundance obtained from a total of 184 cells/ml from four broad groups of phytoplankton. Based on the results and following standard criteria, the stream could be suitable for domestic, industrial and agricultural uses. However basic treatment can help improve the portability of the water especially for drinking.