Abstract

The ecological status of McCarthy beach in Delta State University Abraka was carried out, using macrophytes as indicators. Study samples were obtained from McCarthy beach, Abraka, Delta State by dividing the beach into stratified zones. Thereafter, random sampling was used to select specific sites for detailed study. Macrophytes identification and quantification was done using quadrats (1m²) to sample macrophytes at each site. The species were identified using standard taxonomic keys, at the herbarium unit, department of Botany, Delta State University, Abraka. Heavy metal analysis of macrophyte and water sample was done following standard procedures. According to the result of the study, macrophytes species analyzed for heavy metals were; Eichhornia crassipes, Pistiastratiotus, Elodea canadensis and Ipomoea aquatica. The result showed that concentration of cadmium ranged from 0.10mg/l (Eichhornia crassipes) to 1.92mg/l (water). Chromium ranged from 0.00mg/l (Eichhornia crassipes) to 0.7mg/l (water). Nickel ranged from 0.00mg/l (Eichhornia crassipes) to 0.26mg/l (water). Manganese ranged from 0.01mg/l (Ipomoeaaquatica) to 1.03mg/l (water), while iron ranged from 0.95mg/l (Ipomoeaaquatica) to 3.41mg/l (water). Chromium and nickel were not detected in Ipomoeaaquatica. These findings highlight the importance of macrophytes as bioindicators for monitoring aquatic ecosystem health and underline the need for targeted pollution control measures.

Key words: Bioindicator, Macrophytes, Environmental variables, Mccarthy beach, Delta State