Seasonal Effects on Physicochemical and Bacteriological Profiles of a Mangrove Ecosystem in Rivers State, Nigeria

Seasonal effects of physicochemical and bacteriological profiles of mangrove ecosystem was
determined during dry and rainy seasons. Standard analytical methods were used to evaluate
physicochemical and bacteriological parameters respectively. The results depicted higher values of
physicochemical parameters in the rainy season than in the dry season except for salinity which had
relatively higher values during the dry season. Bacterial diversity was much higher during the rainy
season compared with those of the dry season. Bacillus spp. was the most prevalent (32- 39%) during
the two seasons but Vibrio spp was the most dominant (31%) in the dry season. Other microbes
isolated in relatively high percentage at both seasons were Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus,
Enterobacter aerogenes and Proteus species. Physicochemically, the study area has shown great
potential for growth, survival and sustainability of aquatic life forms. However, the isolation of such
magnitude of pathogens portend a high risk to food safety and public health if seafoods are not
subjected to depuration and other food safety measures before consumption.