Limnochemistry and Biological Characteristics of Small High Altitude Reservoirs in a Sub-Tropical Region, Nyanga, Zimbabwe

Tamuka NHIWATIWA

doi:https://doi.org/10.17216/limnofish.288101

Article Details

Limnochemistry and Biological Characteristics of Small High Altitude Reservoirs in a Sub-Tropical Region, Nyanga, Zimbabwe

Authors:

Tamuka NHIWATIWA

Journal:

Journal of Limnology and Freshwater Fisheries Research 2017 Vol.3 Issue 1, pp.1-13

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

4/2017

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2000486348

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17216/limnofish.288101

Abstract:

 


The ecological characteristics of ten small reservoirs in the
high-altitude Eastern Highlands region of Zimbabwe, were studied. Water quality
and sediment quality for a range of parameters and also the phytoplankton,
zooplankton, macrophyte communities were described. The water quality of the
reservoirs was in near pristine condition and their trophic status was
oligotrophic and ultra-oligotrophic. In contrast, the sediments especially of
the Connemara reservoirs had unusually high levels of phosphorus. Given the
high levels of dissolved oxygen in the reservoirs, most phosphorus is likely to
be bound to the sediment but its present source was not immediately clear.
Phytoplankton densities were very low indicative of low productivity. The major
phytoplankton taxa identified included Cyanophyta, Euglenophyta, Chrysophyta,
Bacillariophyceae, Pyrrophyta and Chlorophyta. The least abundant taxa were the
Euglenophyta while the most abundant was the Chlorophyta. Zooplankton taxa
comprised of Daphniidae, Chydoridae, Bosminidae, Sididae, Macrothricidae,
Cyclopoida and Calanoida. The daphniids were the most abundant species, while
the rotifers were not identified further in this study. Several macrophyte species
were identified but the reservoirs showed low similarity in macrophytes
composition. There were no clear environmental gradients to explain the
patterns. The results of this study provide an important baseline from which
future studies especially on the impact of climate change and landuse can be
assessed.


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Article Details

Limnochemistry and Biological Characteristics of Small High Altitude Reservoirs in a Sub-Tropical Region, Nyanga, Zimbabwe

Authors: Tamuka NHIWATIWA

Journal: Journal of Limnology and Freshwater Fisheries Research 2017 Vol.3 Issue 1, pp.1-13

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 4/2017

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2000486348

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17216/limnofish.288101

Issues

Authors:

Tamuka NHIWATIWA

Journal:

Journal of Limnology and Freshwater Fisheries Research 2017 Vol.3 Issue 1, pp.1-13

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

4/2017

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2000486348

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17216/limnofish.288101