Ecosystem analysis of meiofauna taxa and physicochemical characteristics in Nembe Mangrove Swamp, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

This study investigated meiofauna taxa and physicochemical characteristics of Nembe mangrove swamp. Sediment and water samples were collected in triplicate within a 1.5m² quadrat across three communities. The aim was to create an inventory of meiofaunal datasets and relate them to the physicochemical properties of the water column and sediment, influenced by anthropogenic activities. Standard collection and analysis methods were employed. Physicochemical parameters such as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH, water temperature, and salinity were measured in-situ, while others were analyzed at the Biology Lab, Federal University Otuoke, Nigeria. Statistical analyses, including Mean±SD, Least Significant Difference, species relative abundance, diversity indices, and environmental correlation, were used to quantify significance. Results revealed significant spatial variations across the three sampling communities. Basambiri exhibited the highest TSS (71.27 ± 3.14 mg/l), TDS (779.33 ± 1.15 mg/l), and DO (4.93 ± 0.25 mg/l). Sabatoro recorded the highest temperature (32.20 ± 5.68) and salinity (7.63 ± 0.21). Basambiri’s pH levels indicated alkaline conditions (7.4 ± 0.1), whereas Obiama (6.8 ± 0.1) and Sabatoro (6.73 ± 0.17) were slightly acidic. A total of 815 individual species were recorded, identifying eight taxa in the water column and ten in the sediment stratum. Nematodes were most abundant in Obiama and Basambiri, while Polychaete Worms and Copepods were prevalent in Sabatoro. Obiama exhibited the highest meiofauna diversity (2.06), with significant similarities between communities. The findings suggest distinct environmental conditions and the need for conservation efforts to preserve biodiversity and ecological integrity of Nembe mangrove zones.