A Preliminary survey of toxigenic algae of Pindiga Pond Akko Local Government Gombe State Nigeria

Abstract

Studies were carried out on the toxigenic algae of Pindiga pond at ten (10) days interval for a period of three months using standard methods. Physicochemical characteristics of the pond were also determined for the same time interval. Four species of toxigenic algae were identified namely: Microcystis sp., Planktothrix sp., Nostoc sp. and Anabaena sp. were identified using standard identification keys. The ranges of the values of physicochemical characteristics determined and recorded include pH (6.5-8.5), Temperature (28-29ºC), Transparency (0.34-0.57cm), Conductivity (168-1885) µs/cm, Dissolved Oxygen (1.0-1.9) mg/l, Biological oxygen demand (0.2-0.6) mg/l, Nitrate (11.0-12.33) mg/l and phosphate (9.68-10.52) mg/l. Most physicochemical parameters recorded were found to be within the ranges prescribed by WHO standard for drinking water and algal productivity except for few cases like phosphate and conductivity. Mycrocystis sp. shows highest number in percentage 4, (40%) of the toxigenic algae identified while Planktothrix sp. was the least 1, (10%) in percentage. Pindiga pond poses danger, a potential health hazard based on identified algae of this pond