Original scientific paper
HUMAN-INDUCED IMPACT ON THE DISTRIBUTION AND DIVERSITY OF BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES AND FISH FAUNA IN THE TROPICAL IKANG RIVER, NIGERIA
2023, 81 (1) p. 0-0
Andem Bassey Andem, Christopher Ogamode Odey, Solomon B. Beshel, Opeyemi Babasegun Ojo, Marvellous Christopher Etuk
Abstract
South-eastern Nigeria's tropical water ecosystems typically consist of mangrove swamps and riparian forests, both of which have become endangered in the last six decades. The purpose of this research was to determine the extent of human-induced impact and activities on the effect of water quality on the distribution and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates and fish fauna in the Tropical River (Ikang). The river's surface water, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish fauna were sampled and identified to create a database of reference information. Twelve (12) species of benthic macroinvertebrates from two (2) phyla were identified. Station 1 had the highest benthic macroinvertebrate abundance of 58 (35.65%), while Station 3 had the lowest abundance of 52 (31.70%). Uca tangeri was the most abundant benthic macroinvertebrate with a percentage abundance of 28 (17.07%), while Dinocras sp., Macromia sp., and Gomphus sp. were the least abundant benthic macroinvertebrates with a percentage abundance of 3.66%. In addition, seven (7) fish species from six (6) families were identified. During the study, the family Claroteidae was the most abundant, while the family Carangidae was the least abundant. The temperature of the river had a positive correlation with the families Carangidae and Mugilidae, a negative correlation with the family Clupeidae, and no correlation with the family Claroteidae. Total dissolved solids (TDS) correlated positively with the families Carangidae, Mugilidae, and Clariidae, while conductivity correlated positively only with the family Sciaenidae and negatively with the families Carangidae, Mugilidae and Clariidae. The abundance and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates and fish fauna were generally influenced by the physical and chemical characteristics of the water, the availability of food, and the extent of human impacts and activities. In order to ensure sustainable water quality and biodiversity conservation in our environment, it is necessary to manage the river and the surrounding ecosystem appropriately.
Keywords
Fish fauna, Abundance, Biodiversity, Physicochemical parameters, Sustainable management