Physicochemical Condition of Jibia Reservoir Inhabited by A Freshwater Snail Belamya crawshayi

Abstract

TThis study delves into the interactions of the physicochemical parameters and freshwater snail, Belamya crawshayi in Jibia Reservoir, Katsina State, Nigeria. Physicochemical parameters of the water and snails were analysed and identified using standard procedures and identifications keys. Analysis of variance and correlation were used in data analysis. Water temperature ranged from 23.2 °C to 25.7 °C, peaking in August. Dissolved oxygen exhibited monthly variation, reaching a peak of 4.53 mg/L in September and a low of 1.45 mg/L in July. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) varied significantly, peaking at 2.11 mg/L in August and dipping to 0.55 mg/L in July. Total hardness ranged significantly from 248.38 mg/L in July to 454.75 mg/L in September. Station-wise variations highlighted only to be significantly different, with its peak at station B (488.50 NTU) and a low at station A (422.00 NTU). Belamya crawshayi was the sole observed freshwater snail during the study, with the highest abundance (36 individuals) at station C and the lowest (15 individuals each) at stations B and D. Monthly variations in snail abundance were noted, with 39 individuals in July and 19 individuals in August. Correlation analysis unveiled intricate relationships between physicochemical parameters and Belamya crawshayi abundance, emphasizing the interplay between environmental conditions and the snail population in Jibia Reservoir. These findings contribute to our understanding of the ecological dynamics of Jibia Reservoir, emphasizing the interplay between physicochemical conditions and the freshwater snail population.