Abstract

Assessment of Zooplankton in relation to physicochemical parameters after post-dredging of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Reservoir Zaria, Kaduna State Nigeria was investigated. Five sampling stations were selected for the collection of water samples, Zooplankton and physicochemical parameters. Data collected were subjected to One-Way Analysis of variance and mean separation using Duncan Multiple Range Test, Canonical Correspondent Analysis was used to determine the influence of physicochemical parameters on Zooplanktons, Shannon – Wiener diversity index was used to determine the species richness and diversity of Zooplankton in ABU Reservoir using Paleontological Statistical Software Package (PAST) V.2.17c and SAS version 9.1.3. The results on Zooplankton population may have been regulated by other factors (such as dredging and post-dredging activities). Water parameters show weak contribution in controlling Zooplankton population. Total of 587 Zooplankton comprising 4 Classes, 11 Families and 13 Species were recorded. Zooplankton in monthly variation; July dominated with 161(27.4%) in wet season but least in March 59(10.1%) in the dry season while in seasonal variation; the highest was recorded in wet season 340(57.9%) and lowest in dry season 247(42.1%). Therefore, the presence of pollution bioindicators such as: Rotifers, Oligochaeta, Dragon fly nymph and Chydorus species indicated that ABU reservoir is likely polluted. Also proper conservation and restorative strategies should be directed towards improving the reservoir, biodiversity and productivity of ABU reservoir.