ISSN: 2577-4050
Seasonal Variation of Microalgae Diversity in Lake Abaya, Ethiopia
This study evaluated the seasonal variations of microalgae species diversity in relation to some physico-chemical
parameters in Lake Abaya for a period of three consecutive seasons (between July 2008 and August 2009). The aim was
to relate the seasonal variability in the physico-chemical parameters of the lake to the abundance and diversity of
microalgae. Nine sampling sites were established in the lake, and samples were collected once every season.
Transparency and pH were measured in-situ using a water quality checker Water samples for microalgae abundance and
species composition were analyzed at the Ethiopian biodiversity institute. In the laboratory, pH values in the lake ranged
from 7.8-8.0, 7.7-9.0, 7.3- 7.4in rainy, post rainy and dry season respectively. The preserved Microalgae samples and the
fresh water samples grow on liquid media (BBM and BG-11) were examined using binocular microscope and their
identification to genus or species level were made on the basis of various descriptors of Microalgae. The result indicated
that generally chlamydomonas is dominant species in all season and the most diversity in general was phylum
Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta phylum respectively in Lake Abaya.
Keywords:
Microalgae; Season; Variation; Abaya Lake
