Diversity and ecology of phytoplankton of Batika river (Yabassi, Cameroon)

Human activities increasingly accentuate the imbalance of hydrosystems. The aim of the study is to contribute to the knowledge of phytoplankton and some physicochemical parameters related to the Batika river with a view to proposing methods of monitoring for sustainable production of carp fry. Sampling took place monthly from March, 2019 to February, 2020. Physicochemical parameters were measured in situ and in the laboratory. The pelagic area was sampled at 7 identified stations along the river. Two groups were observed according to the physicochemical parameters made up of exclusive species. Group I bringing stations 1, 2 and 3 upstream together; group II bringing stations 5, 6 and 7 downstream closer together. Station 4 is considered a transition station between upstream and downstream. Specific richness of phytoplankton amounts to 6 classes divided into 28 genera and 34 species. The most represented class is Chlorophyceae (36%). The least represented class is Ulvophyceae (1%). Shannon-Weaver diversity index ranges from 3.24 (station 7) to 1.76 (station 4). Specific richness is not very variable from one station to another. The most common types of the study site are Closterium and Micrasterias. Physicochemical parameters show that the Batika river is less polluted. These results show that the Batika river has low phytoplankton richness and good quality water. Monitoring this river would maintain its ecological status for sustainable production of carp fry.