Faculty
Year of Publication
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Publication Type
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems are increasingly threatened by environmental stressors, particularly in regions where rivers serve as essential resources for surrounding communities. This study assessed seasonal and spatial variations in water quality and aquatic biodiversity in rivers within Ikpe Community. The research focused on evaluating physicochemical water parameters, analyzing the composition and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates, and applying a multimetric biological index to determine the ecological integrity of selected rivers including the Orhionmwon River, Irogbe River, and Okhuaihe River.
Water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, depth, flow rate, and chemical concentrations were measured at multiple sampling stations during both wet and dry seasons. Sediment samples were collected using composite sampling techniques, and benthic macroinvertebrates were preserved and identified in the laboratory. Physicochemical analyses followed protocols of the American Public Health Association, while heavy metal concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Pollution indices and biodiversity metrics, including the Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index and Simpson Diversity Index, were applied to evaluate ecological conditions.
The results revealed significant seasonal and spatial variations in several water quality parameters, including electrical conductivity, transparency, and river width (p < 0.01). While most measured parameters were within the guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Environment Nigeria, turbidity exceeded recommended limits in some locations. Pollution indices indicated generally low levels of metal contamination, although mild pollution was observed in certain stations. Water Quality Index values ranged from 9.35 to 16.53, classifying all sampling stations as having excellent water quality. Macroinvertebrate taxa exhibited varying sensitivities to environmental changes, with groups such as Ephemeroptera and Diptera responding strongly to habitat alterations, while more tolerant taxa adapted to impacted conditions.
The study concluded that environmental variables such as pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, and nutrient levels significantly influence macroinvertebrate distribution and diversity in these freshwater ecosystems. Rivers such as Orhionmwon and Okhuaihe were identified as priority areas for conservation due to observable ecological changes. The findings highlight the importance of integrating physicochemical assessments and biological indicators in monitoring freshwater ecosystem health and guiding conservation strategies.
Water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, depth, flow rate, and chemical concentrations were measured at multiple sampling stations during both wet and dry seasons. Sediment samples were collected using composite sampling techniques, and benthic macroinvertebrates were preserved and identified in the laboratory. Physicochemical analyses followed protocols of the American Public Health Association, while heavy metal concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Pollution indices and biodiversity metrics, including the Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index and Simpson Diversity Index, were applied to evaluate ecological conditions.
The results revealed significant seasonal and spatial variations in several water quality parameters, including electrical conductivity, transparency, and river width (p < 0.01). While most measured parameters were within the guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Environment Nigeria, turbidity exceeded recommended limits in some locations. Pollution indices indicated generally low levels of metal contamination, although mild pollution was observed in certain stations. Water Quality Index values ranged from 9.35 to 16.53, classifying all sampling stations as having excellent water quality. Macroinvertebrate taxa exhibited varying sensitivities to environmental changes, with groups such as Ephemeroptera and Diptera responding strongly to habitat alterations, while more tolerant taxa adapted to impacted conditions.
The study concluded that environmental variables such as pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, and nutrient levels significantly influence macroinvertebrate distribution and diversity in these freshwater ecosystems. Rivers such as Orhionmwon and Okhuaihe were identified as priority areas for conservation due to observable ecological changes. The findings highlight the importance of integrating physicochemical assessments and biological indicators in monitoring freshwater ecosystem health and guiding conservation strategies.
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