ABSTRACT

The distribution, abundance, composition and diversity of crustacean zooplankton of Owan River was studied from November 2020 to February 2021. The River was sampled monthly and investigated for water physico-chemistry and the crustacean zooplankton community structure according to standard methods. A total of 13 taxa were recorded, compromising 37 individuals. Station 2 had the highest abundance accounting for 46% of the crustacean zooplankton population, and also the highest diversity. The copepods dominated the samples, but cladocerans exhibited more diversity. Taxa richness was highest in station 2, and lowest in station 3, although the difference was not much. Owan River being an important source of water for the residents in the surrounding communities has a high anthropogenic enrichment factor that consequently affects the crustacean zooplankton community as demonstrated in this study.