Planktonic flora and fauna of Opa Reservoir wetlands, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract Background Wetlands are transition zones between aquatic and terrestrial environments of Opa Reservoir Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, threatened by increase in agricultural practices urbanization within the catchment area. A critical appraisal current ecological integrity wetlands using planktonic composition community structure which formidable to sustaining is essential, hence this study. Result total 104 plankton species comprises 68 phytoplankton 36 zooplankton were recorded from wetlands. In each sampled location during sampling period, Bacillariophyta had highest occurrence among phytoplankton, while Rotifera zooplankton. Generally, Synedra ulna copepod (cyclopoid) Nauplius, respectively, most common period Analyses also showed that a higher abundance (65.3% 98.18%, respectively) than (34.6% 1.82%, respectively). Diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener, Margalef, Simpson) analyses both groups revealed generally polluted. Conclusion The study concluded ability support maintain balanced adaptive with diversity being eroded due anthropogenic activities wetland areas. This could have some socioeconomic implications considering fact they intrinsically part adjoining reservoir provides many ecosystem services.