论文信息 - NUTRIENT DYNAMICS OF IMO RIVER ESTUARY, SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA

NUTRIENT DYNAMICS OF IMO RIVER ESTUARY, SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT : The physical and chemical properties of the Imo River estuary, Southeastern Nigeria were investigated between April 2001 and June 2002. Variations in water temperature, total dissolved solids, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, sulphate, phosphate and silicate are reported. With the exception of dissolved oxygen all parameters were significantly different (P<0.05) in the study stations. Conductivity was positively correlated with total dissolved solids. The same holds true for phosphate and nitrate. The parameters showed both spatial and temporal variations. Temperature, TDS , conductivity, were high during the dry season while nitrate, sulphate, phosphate and silica recorded high wet season values. Flood influx into the estuary during the wet season and tidal inflow of seawater during the dry season were the two major factors that influenced the nutrient dynamics of the Imo River estuary. Key words/phrases: Estuary, Imo River, Nigeria, nutrients, variations INTRODUCTION

O. Akoma

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