Seasonal variation in water quality, plankton diversity and microbial load of tropical freshwater lakes in Nigeria

Seasonal changes significantly affect tropical ecosystems; hence, verification of how these water quality is important for waterbodies that serve as and food sources, particular such are often associated with shifts in plankton diversity microbial loads. This study assessed the seasonal quality, load four lakes serving sources drinking water. Temperature, hardness phosphate concentration were elevated dry season, pH, biochemical oxygen demand, transparency, turbidity, total dissolved solids, conductivity, alkalinity nitrate concentrations wet season. A phytoplankton analysis revealed Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta, Cyanophyta Dinophyta most common, families Desmidiaceae, Microcystaceae Euglenaceae (phylum Euglenophyta) displaying dominance. For zooplankton, Rotifera was Branchionidae dominating both seasons. In Cyanophyta, Bacillariophyta dominated, Aphanizomenonaceae diverse families. Disease-causing pathogens, Ascaridae, Trichuridae Ancylostomatidae Nematoda), detected during periods high rainfall. The waters season had higher loads than ranging from 1.50 to 233.50 CFU g−1 (p < 0.05). demonstrates variations risk users underlies importance regular assessment particularly given threat elated climate change.