Savanna Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 2(2):183-186
Ecological Variables of Some Ponds Inhabited by an Invasive Typha Species in Kano Metropolis, North-Western Nigeria
Haruna, H. and Aliko, A.A.
ABSTRACT
In this study, Typha - an aquatic invasive weed with a widespread growth in some ponds of Kano metropolis was examined with
the aim of assessing some morphological characteristics due to ecological locations of the weed. The species found in the ponds
has the following characteristics: narrowed leaves reaching 1-3m long above water level and 1-2.3cm wide that have a spongy
cross-section exhibiting air channels which when sutured look like a bee house, 8-16 number of leaves arising from a single shoot
forming very dense population (estimated size of 1,440,648 stands per hectare of pond), very thick roots that are capable of
perennation having fibrous root system and naked fruits with very small, slender and hairy edible seeds. Based on these
morphologies, the species is identified as Typha domingensis. The water environment where Typha dominated comprises of 0.8m
depth, 25.06 ºC mean temperature, a pH of 6.5 and a mean conductivity of 902 µs/cm with average concentration of nitrate as
51.8 mg/L and9.95 mg/L phosphate. However, a comparison of the water analysis between inlet and outlet of the Typha pond in
relation to heavy metal concentration showed that Typha species often regarded as weed had the capacity to remove aluminium,
copper and zinc concentrations in water.
