INTERRELATIONSHIPS AMONG PHYSICAL PARAMETERS IN OVIA RIVER, NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

Abstract

The physical parameters of Ovia River in Benin City, Edo State of Nigeria were studied for a period of 2 years
(January-December) of 2005 and 2006. Fluctuations in physical parameters at the study stations were irregular
throughout the study period. Transparency level ranged from 32.46±7.62 (September) to 116.2 ±6.20 (February) in
2005 and 42.88±4.16 (May) to 132.58±17.45 (February) in 2006. Water temperature varied from 25.50±0.52
(August) to 29.58±0.79 (April) in 2005 and 25.50±0.52 (August) to 29.92±0.29 (March) in 2006. Air temperature
ranged from 24.88±3.39 (December) to 31.58±2.09 (March) in 2005 and 24.25±0.87 (July) to 30.75±1.86 (March)
in 2006. Monthly rainfall ranged from 2.0±0.00 (January) to 664±0.00 (July) in 2005 and 2.0±0.00 (December) to
358±0.00 (September) in 2006. No significant difference (P>0.05) was recorded among stations except in air
temperature which revealed significant difference (P<0.05) in both years. However, significant differences (P<0.05)
was recorded in all parameters for both seasons except in the air temperature which was not significantly different
(P>0.05) in 2005. In conclusion, the results obtained from this study fall within the acceptable range and is suitable
for the biological life/existence of prawn hence their abundance in time and season