Microphytobenthos Distribution at the Down-stream Area of Taylor Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract: This study investigated microphytobenthos distribution at the Down-stream Area in Taylor Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria from May to October 2022. Samples of microphytobenthos were obtained from four sites at the down-stream of Taylor Creek using Van Veen grab under the topmost strata of the sediments in the water. Microphytobenthos samples were conserved in 2% formaldehyde and were observed with a microscope and identified using microphytobenthos illustration field guide and Sedgwick-Rafter counting chamber was used to estimate the microphytobenthos species. The result showed that a total of 180 microphytobenthos, comprising of 13 individuals belonging to 4 taxonomic group were identified namely; Bacillariophyta, Cyanophyta, Chrysophyta and Chlorophyta were identified. Bacillariophyta had 6 species with Surirella flumiensis (52) having the highest representation and Gyrosigma scalproides the lowest representation with 3 each, Cyanophyta 3 species with Oscillatora labyrinthiforn (20) constituting the highest number and Noctiluca scintillans (3) the lowest number. Chlorophyta 3 species with Chloserium moniliferum (27) having the highest number and Chlorella vulgaris (10) having the lowest number. Bacillariophyta was the most dominant family in all the four sites examined. The microphytobenthos composition at the different sits indicated that site 1 (102) recorded the greatest species number of microphytobenthos and site 4 (14) the smallest species number. Based on the substantial role of microphytobenthos in the aquatic ecosystems. It is therefore recommended that more recurrent studies of microphytobenthos be conducted at the down-stream area of Taylor Creek in order to reveal more trends of the status of microphytobenthos distribution of the creek. Keywords: Distribution, Microphytobenthos, Niger Delta. Title: Microphytobenthos Distribution at the Down-stream Area of Taylor Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria Author: Kwen, K., Obomunu. B., Aghoghovwia O.A., Dickson R D. International Journal of Recent Research in Life Sciences (IJRRLS) ISSN 2349-7823 Vol. 12, Issue 4, October 2025 - December 2025 Page No: 29-36 Paper Publications Website: www.paperpublications.org Published Date: 06-November-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17541738 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.paperpublications.org/upload/book/Microphytobenthos%20Distribution%20at%20the%20Down-stream-06112025-5.pdf