ABSTRACT

 The physico-chemical, planktonic as well as macro invertebrate characteristics of Anya stream in Amaoba community, Abia State was studied over a period of 5 months. The stream was investigated in 3 different outlined stations based on degree of human interaction and the plant community along the length of the stream. The result indicated that human interaction influence to an extent the physicochemical parameter of the water. The phosphate value recorded was between 0.67 to 0.76mg/l with a mean value of 0.71mg/l. Total hardness ranged between 7.66 to 20.33mg/l with a mean of 14.90 while dissolved oxygen recorded 0.73mg/l to 3.76mg/l with a mean of 1.94mg/l. The rainfall recorded within the period of study influenced some of the parameters accessed. The surface water temperature was lowered in the wet month than in the dry ones. The nitrate concentration increased with respect to an increase with rainfall. All parameters accessed except for the pH and total phosphate fell within the acceptable standard of Word Health Organization (WHO), Standard of Nigeria (SON), European Economic Community (EEC), and Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV). There were significant differences in the monthly concentrations ofthese chemical parameters when subjected to Duncan and LSD analysis. However when the various stations were analyzed, there was no significant difference. A check list of planktonic (phyto and zooplanktonic) abundance and macro invertebrate community revealed; species of Daphnia (85.30%), Branchionus (43.53%), Cyclopoid (41.24%), Copepod (72.59%), and Moina (57.35%) for phytoplankton; Spirogyra (91.77%) Euglena (82.50%) Micrasterias (76.98%) and Spirulina (48.75%) for zooplankton and for macro invertebrate species revealed include; Heteroptera (59.15%), Coleoptera(75.36%), Odonata[ 109.86%), Dz>fera(15.51%), and Hemiptera (40.12%). Their percentages show the species abundance in the three different stations. Based on the result and following standard criteria, the stream could be said to be suitable lor domestic industrial and agricultural uses, however basic treatment can help improve the portability ol the water