Primary Productivity in Man-Made Lakes of Northwestern Nigeria: A Review of Recent Evidence, Environmental Drivers and Research Gaps
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67601/njbls.v3i2b.79Keywords:
Reservoirs, Phytoplankton, Chlorophyll-a, Limnology, Water qualityAbstract
Primary productivity is a fundamental ecological process through which aquatic autotrophs convert inorganic carbon into organic matter and introduce energy into freshwater food webs. Northwestern Nigeria contains numerous man-made lakes and reservoirs that support domestic water supply, irrigation, livestock production and fisheries. However, information on primary productivity in these systems remains fragmented, and many investigations have focused on phytoplankton composition and physicochemical characteristics rather than direct measurements of productivity. This review synthesizes evidence published principally between 2016 and 2026 on primary productivity and related environmental conditions in man-made lakes and reservoirs of Northwestern Nigeria, with comparative evidence from other Nigerian and international freshwater systems. Particular attention was given to gross primary productivity (GPP), net primary productivity (NPP), phytoplankton composition and abundance, nutrients, light availability, turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, seasonality, spatial variation and anthropogenic influences. Direct evidence from Nasarawa Reservoir demonstrates seasonal and spatial variation in GPP and NPP, while studies of Ajiwa, Kalgwai, Kazaure, Zobe and CAAS reservoirs demonstrate substantial variation in phytoplankton communities and environmental conditions. Comparative studies from southern Nigeria further show the importance of depth, reservoir zonation, nutrient availability and light penetration in determining productivity. The review identifies a major research gap: direct measurements of primary productivity remain relatively scarce in Northwestern Nigerian reservoirs. Future investigations should integrate GPP, NPP, respiration, chlorophyll-a, phytoplankton biomass, nutrients, underwater light and hydrological characteristics across seasons, depths and reservoir zones. Such integrated studies will improve understanding of reservoir ecosystem functioning and provide a stronger scientific basis for fisheries and water-resource management.
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