9. Records of Diatoms and Physicochemical Parameters of Seasonal Ponds in Zaria- Northern Nigeria

Abstract

A study of diatoms species composition, associated with four ponds in Zaria, Northern Nigeria was carried out
between November 2005–January 2006 and June–August 2006. Twenty three taxa of diatoms were recorded in the
study. Multivariate analysis showed that there were significant positive and negative relationships (P < 0.05)
between some physicochemical parameters and diatom species in these ponds. CCA results showed that Synedra
and Actinocyclus were closely associated with TDS, DO and water hardness; Nitzschia, Frustulia, Navicula and
Coscinodiscus with NO3-N and alkalinity; and Cyclotella, Tabellaria and Achnanthes with phosphate phosphorus
levels.