Distribution Of Macroinvertebrates Research Articles

Aquatic Macro-Invertebrate Diversity and Abundance in Eleyele Lake, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

The availability and quality of water system in 21st century plays a vital role in the growth and survival of all living organisms. Eleyele Lake is a general-purpose water body which supplies water to various communities in Ibadan metropolis. This research aimed to investigate the quality of the water using physico-chemical parameters and their influence on the diversity, abundance and distribution of aquatic macro-invertebrates of the lake. Monthly, sample of water and macro-invertebrates from April to September, 2021 at eight sampling points were done, using standard APHA and Winkler’s methods. Macro-invertebrates collected were identified using standard identification guides. Relationship between physico-chemical parameters and aquatic macro-invertebrates was determined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r). Species diversity, taxa richness, evenness and similarity were determined using Simpson, Shannon-Weiner, Margalef, Evennes and Equitablity. A total number of 670 macro-invertebrates belonging to 7 orders namely, Hemiptera (47%), Odonata (20%), Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Trombidiformes and Hygrophila were collected and identified during the study period. Positive correlations occurs between BOD, EC, TDS, Nitrate and Phosphate and Chironomus sp. Also, pH was positively correlated with Lestes sp. and Aeshna sp. while DO have negative correlation with Lethocerus sp., Physa sp. and Lymnaea sp. The physico-chemical parameters and the diversity indices of macro-invertebrates encountered indicated that the lake was moderately polluted and tends toward degradation as a result of indiscriminate discharge of domestic, agricultural and industrial effluents into the Lake. Therefore, proper management of the lake is required to prevent further deterioration.

Abundance and Distribution of Benthic Macro-Invertebrates of Luhu Dam, Michika, Adamawa State, Nigeria

The study uses benthic macroinvertebrates as indicators to assess water quality in the Luhu Mini Dam, Michika, Adamawa State. The study involves the collection of benthic macroinvertebrate samples over six months, utilizing the Van Veen grab method for sampling and preservation in formalin. Upon transportation to the laboratory, the samples were identified and subjected to statistical analysis, including the Shannon and Weiner Index, Margalef’s Index, Simpson’s diversity Index, and Pielou’s Evenness. The study aims to provide fundamental information on the health of the Luhu Mini Dam and to understand the water quality and pollution status, thereby informing necessary management measures. The distribution and diversity of species across three different stations. A total of 462 individuals representing 20 taxa from 3 phyla were collected. Station 1 yielded 16 taxa and 162 individuals, station 2 had 17 taxa and 201 individuals, and station 3 had 17 taxa and 99 individuals. The diversity indices revealed variation in the number of species across stations, with stations 3 and 2 having the highest number of species, while station 1 had the lowest. The general diversity (H') was highest at station 3, followed by stations 1 and 2, whereas station 3 also exhibited the highest Evenness index (E). Moreover, the taxa richness index, as calculated by Margalef's Index (d), peaked at station 3. Simpson's dominance index showed that Station 2 exhibited the highest dominance, followed by Station 1 and Station 3. These findings provide valuable insights into the distribution and diversity of species across different biotopes.

Abundance and Distribution of Benthic Macro-Invertebrates of Luhu Dam, Michika, Adamawa State, Nigeria

The study uses benthic macroinvertebrates as indicators to assess water quality in the Luhu Mini Dam, Michika, Adamawa State. The study involves the collection of benthic macroinvertebrate samples over six months, utilizing the Van Veen grab method for sampling and preservation in formalin. Upon transportation to the laboratory, the samples were identified and subjected to statistical analysis, including the Shannon and Weiner Index, Margalef’s Index, Simpson’s diversity Index, and Pielou’s Evenness. The study aims to provide fundamental information on the health of the Luhu Mini Dam and to understand the water quality and pollution status, thereby informing necessary management measures. The distribution and diversity of species across three different stations. A total of 462 individuals representing 20 taxa from 3 phyla were collected. Station 1 yielded 16 taxa and 162 individuals, station 2 had 17 taxa and 201 individuals, and station 3 had 17 taxa and 99 individuals. The diversity indices revealed variation in the number of species across stations, with stations 3 and 2 having the highest number of species, while station 1 had the lowest. The general diversity (H') was highest at station 3, followed by stations 1 and 2, whereas station 3 also exhibited the highest Evenness index (E). Moreover, the taxa richness index, as calculated by Margalef's Index (d), peaked at station 3. Simpson's dominance index showed that Station 2 exhibited the highest dominance, followed by Station 1 and Station 3. These findings provide valuable insights into the distribution and diversity of species across different biotopes.

Distribution and Economic Importance of Aquatic Macro Invertebrates: A Review

Distribution and Economic Importance of Aquatic Macro Invertebrates: A Review

The assessment of water quality by macroinvertebrate and water quality indices in small reservoir (Damsa, Türkiye)

AbstractThe composition and spatial distribution of macroinvertebrates in the Damsa reservoir have been analysed. Also, reservoir water was evaluated with water quality index (WQI). Damsa reservoir is significant for both biodiversity and recreation in the region. Except for the winter season, the lake water is of good quality for WQI. There is pollution in the lake in terms of phosphorus, especially for winter. In terms of phosphate, all of the stations are mezotrophic for the OECD; however, Stations 4 and 5 are eutrophic for the Türkiye Surface Water Quality Management Regulation (the others are mezotrophic). Community variation and status of benthic macroinvertebrate were evaluated with Ecological Status Class Assessment Tools (ESCATs) indices which have been widely used in the literature. In the present study, 1062 individual benthic macroinvertebrates from 11 orders and 17 families were collected. A total of 46 macroinvertebrates taxa were identified. The first three dominant groups are Oligochaeta (42.66%), Hemiptera (Micronecta scholtzi, 23.07%) and Chironomidae (19.67%).

Quantification of large-spatial scale and in-stream factors affecting the structure of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in mountain streams

Habitat diversity plays a crucial role in shaping the structure and distribution of benthic macroinvertebrate communities. However, few studies have investigated the concurrent effects of such drivers operating at different spatial scales in mountain streams. Here, we assessed which environmental factors at different spatial scales, related to stream/river type and substrate, influence the diversity of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in mountain streams and rivers. Within the framework of the aquatic investigations of the Biodiversity Monitoring South Tyrol (BMS) – a newly-established, regional-based, long-term biodiversity monitoring program – benthic macroinvertebrates and a set of environmental factors describing water quality, stream/river hydromorphology and in-stream habitat characteristics were collected and analysed. The variation in total density, taxonomic richness, Shannon evenness and % Ephemeroptera–Plecoptera–Trichoptera taxa of stream benthic macroinvertebrates was assessed at multi-scale habitat levels, in 48 sampling sites across the mountainous region of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen (Italy). The effects of stream/river type, substrates and different environmental factors on community composition of benthic macroinvertebrates were quantified, using a stepfoward Redundancy Analysis (RDA) and generalized additive models (GAMs). In addition, we performed an Indicator Value analysis to detect taxa that were significantly associated with a specific substrate and/or stream/river type. Overall, we observed significant differences in benthic biological metrics among both stream/river and substrate types. We also found at least one indicator taxa for each stream/river type, with environmental factors acting at reach and large-spatial scale – temperature, stream channel stability, elevation – being the key drivers in shaping macroinvertebrate distribution patterns in the analysed mountain rivers. While significant differences in macroinvertebrate community structures were found among substrates, the influence of stream/river type conditions was particularly evident. Apart from ranking environmental variables worth including in a long-term aquatic biodiversity monitoring program in mountain areas, our study provides a baseline for practical applications. For instance, depending on the desired outcome of habitat heterogeneity restoration, it can suggest the optimal scale (landscape vs. reach vs. patch) for prioritizing in-field interventions.

Response of Chironomids (Diptera, Chironomidae) to Environmental Factors at Different Spatial Scales.

Factors responsible for species distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates, including responses at different spatial scales, have been previously investigated. The aim of the present research was to review the most relevant factors explaining chironomid species distribution focusing on factors operating at different spatial scales, such as latitude, longitude, altitude, substrate, salinity, water temperature, current velocity, conductivity, acidity, dissolved oxygen, nutrient content etc. acting at regional levels and at a large or small water basin level. Data including chironomid species abundances from different lentic and lotic waters in Italy and other surrounding countries were analyzed using partial canonical correspondence analysis (pCCA) and multiple discriminant analysis (DISCR). Spatial analyses, including univariate Moran's I correlograms, multivariate Mantel correlograms and Moran's eigenvector maps (MEMs), were thereafter carried out. The results showed that habitat type, including different types of lotic waters (i.e., kryal, crenal, rhithral, potamal) and different lake types (i.e., littoral, sublittoral, profundal zones), is the most significant factor separating chironomid assemblages, while spatial factors act only as indirect influencers.

Ecological Influence of Organic Pollution on the Distribution of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Some Control Forest Watercourses in Cameroon

Monitoring of water quality and distribution of some benthic macroinvertebrates was carried out in a few control watercourses in the Mefou watershed, from August 2022 to June 2023 with the aim of identifying some ecological factors that influence the distribution of benthic organisms in forest areas. The evaluation of granulometric and physicochemical quality was carried out following the appropriate methods and the collection of benthic organisms following the multihabitat approach. The analysis of the particle size parameters shows that the coarse fraction dominates all the points explored, although the beginning of siltation was observed in the middle part of the Abouda and Fam rivers. Physico-chemical analyses revealed a relatively stable environment with well-oxygenated water, low values of organic pollution indicator parameters and low and constant temperatures throughout the watersheds. The analysis of the biological structure shows a total of 8483 individuals collected, all belonging to the arthropod phylum and the insect class. From the orders obtained, Hemiptera dominate the benthic fauna with 6 identified families. The organisational structure of the benthic community was analysed through the calculation of diversity and fairness indices and allows us to affirm that the benthic macroinvertebrate community is diverse and well organised.

Ecological Significance of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in Headwater Streams

Headwater streams are the starting points of river ecosystems, that consist of an array of unique microhabitats. Most of these stream segments are first-order streams and these aquatic ecosystems provide habitats for many macroinvertebrates including arthropods, mollusks, annelids, nematodes, and turbellarians. These species play a significant role in maintaining the ecological integrity of the river ecosystem. Specifically, their feeding habits of scraping, collecting, shuddering, and predating make a significant contribution to maintaining stable food webs within the stream ecosystems. These macroinvertebrates are highly sensitive to environmental changes and consequently, they have been used as indicators of environmental quality. Although the aquatic macroinvertebrates play a crucial role in headwater streams, they face stresses caused either by nature itself or man leading to their extinction on certain occasions. Global warming, acidification, deforestation, forest fires, industrialization, intensive agriculture, and livestock farming practices have been identified as potential stresses behind the extinction and biodiversity losses of macroinvertebrates in headwater streams. Therefore, the abundance and distribution of macroinvertebrates in headwater streams need to be critically considered in developing criteria for development projects, agricultural practices, and other environmental management strategies to protect and conserve these unique environmental creatures.

Ecological importance of low-order streams to macroinvertebrate community composition in Afromontane headwater streams

Low-order streams contribute to the abiotic and biotic character of large rivers and are renowned for harboring unique forms of aquatic flora and fauna. However, most studies on headwater streams mainly focus on the mainstems and overlook the contribution of the tributary systems. Moreover, low-order streams are generally overlooked in legislation and bioassessment programs, and consequently not protected in many countries. To contribute to the recognition of the ecological importance of low-orders streams, this study focused on determining whether river network characteristics and associated physico-chemical parameters can be used to effectively predict the variabilities in macroinvertebrate assemblage characteristics between first-order and second-order streams in the headwaters of the Nzoia River Basin, Kenya. The study quantified the structural and functional community composition, diversity, similarity, and richness of macroinvertebrate communities between the two river systems. Dissolved oxygen, coarse particulate organic matter, conductivity, stream width, depth, discharge and flow velocity were the main predictors of the diversity and distribution of macroinvertebrates in the first order and second-order streams. The first order streams recorded higher abundance of macroinvertebrates than the second-order streams. Taxa from families Ephydridae, Elmidae, Gomphidae, and genera Euthraulus, Neoperla, Orthothrichia and Prosopistoma were limited to the second-order stream sites while families Ceratopogonidae, Pisuliidae, Dytiscidae and genus Trichosetodes occurred exclusively in the first-order stream sites. Collector-filterers and collector-gatherers were the most abundant functional feeding groups (FFGs) in the two river systems. Scrapers were abundant in the second-order stream while shredders were abundant in the first order streams. The distinctness in the structural and functional composition of macroinvertebrates between the two river systems suggests that linkages among streams in a network as exemplified in the Nzoia River Basin, support and foster biodiversity.

Occurrence, abundance and seasonal distribution of benthic macro invertebrates in relation to the water quality and bottom soil properties in a fish pond

Occurrence, abundance and seasonal distribution of benthic macro invertebrates in relation to the water quality and bottom soil properties in a fish pond

Inventory and Distribution of Benthic Macroinvertebrates, Indicators of Water Quality in Four Forested Watercourses in Centre Region of Cameroon

Inventory and Distribution of Benthic Macroinvertebrates, Indicators of Water Quality in Four Forested Watercourses in Centre Region of Cameroon

The Distribution and Abundance of Macroinvertebrates in Wawan-Rafi Lake, Kazaure, Jigawa State

The Distribution and Abundance of Macroinvertebrates in Wawan-Rafi Lake, Kazaure, Jigawa State

Assessing the ecological health of the upper and middle Awash River, Ethiopia, using benthic macroinvertebrates community structure and selected environmental variables.

Research on the Awash River focused on the upper section, while the middle and lower regions received little attention. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic activities on the upper and middle Awash River. The study took place in nine sampling locations in dry and wet seasons from September 2021 to April 2022 using a multi-habitat sampling approach. We used macroinvertebrate metrics, environmental variables, and multivariate analysis to evaluate ecological health. The highest concentrations of NO3, soluble reactive phosphorus, and total phosphorus (0.50-0.93mg L-1) were recorded at the river-mouth of the upper Awash, while the locations below Metehara had the lowest levels of dissolved oxygen (1.81-2.33mg L-1). Redundancy analysis indicated that dissolved oxygen, NH3, temperature, NO2, pH, TSS, NO3, and TDS influenced macroinvertebrate distribution. The presence of the sensitive groups Caenidae, Hydropsychidae, Heptageniidae, and Aeshnidae at upstream sites indicated better ecological conditions. The middle and downstream sites supported moderately tolerant and tolerant taxa demonstrating water quality impairment. The lowest Ethiopian biotic score was recorded at the river-mouth of the upper Awash. The study sites below Metehara demonstrated severe ecological impairment since highly tolerant taxa were abundant and had strong correlations with temperature, TSS, and TDS levels. Pollutants from agricultural farms and domestic and industrial wastes from Addis Ababa, Metehara, and Merti towns most likely affect the impaired sites. This study demonstrated that the middle Awash experienced substantial ecological deterioration, indicating the need for restoration works to fit the water for socio-economic development.

Distribution of invasive Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) (Decapoda: Astacidea: Cambaridae) in South Korea, with a study of the spatial variation of benthic macroinvertebrate taxa

Abstract The introduction and spread of non-native species pose major threats to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. We conducted a study to assess the spread, growth rate, and interactions of the exotic crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) throughout South Korea. A total of 343 individuals (223 from reservoirs, 120 from streams) were studied in four provinces. This species has expanded its distribution to 24 regions in South Korea. The length-weight relationship indicated positive allometric growth, expressed as W = 2.855L3.0073. The highest number of adult P. clarkii individuals eradicated was 11,438 in 2022. Using the MaxEnt model and environmental variables related to the climate, a highly accurate forecast was generated for the potential distribution of P. clarkii in South Korea. The factors influencing the current distribution probability were identified as the highest temperature of the warmest month, mean temperature of the wettest quarter, and mean temperature of the warmest quarter, which contributed the most to the present distribution probability. The predicted distribution indicated a rapid increase in P. clarkii density in the southwestern region, extending towards the southeastern and central regions, including the brackish zone. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (stress = 0.07) was conducted based on benthic macroinvertebrates, revealing distinct variations among the four sampling sites. The distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates was significantly influenced by the proportion of sand in the substrate (R = 0.39, P < 0.05) and water quality as estimated by the electrical conductivity (R = 0.51, P < 0.05).

Analysis of environmental factors in sediment based on benthic macroinvertebrates in streams, Korea

AbstractThis research summarizes the data on benthic macroinvertebrates collected in the 15 streams during spring (June) and fall (September–October) of 2022. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the quality of surface waters, sediments, and benthic macroinvertebrates; and (ii) to compare the relationship with the environmental variables in water, sediments and benthic macroinvertebrates that inhabit 15 streams. A total of 114 taxa were collected. The assemblages from the 15 sites were dominated by Chironomidae and Tubificidae, especially Chironomidae constituted 45.0% density occurrence. The low grades of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Index (BMI) were calculated in 10 sites with disturbed (“poor” or “very poor”). Low BMI sites mostly showed Tubificidae or Chironomidae dominant characteristics. The biological indices, BMI, % Tubificidae, and % Chironomidae, were significantly correlated with DO and conductivity. DO was also significantly correlated with all the benthic macroinvertebrate factors and diversity except percent Tubificidae. The heavy metal parameters were correlated mostly with species number, BMI, and diversity index. The objectives of this study examine the diversity of benthic macroinvertebrate in the 15 streams and investigate the relative importance of environmental quality for benthic macroinvertebrate distribution.

Macro Invertebrate Diversity in Different Land Use System and Soil Fertility Status in Relation to Macro Invertebrate Distribution in Shashogo District, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Invertebrate species are predominant in the food webs and among the ecosystem engineers associated with agriculture. They have a major influence on productivity and therefore play a key role in food security. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the ecological role of soil macro invertebrate diversity for maintenance of soil fertility in Shashogo District, Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia. Both field and laboratory work were applied during investigation of the study. Invertebrate’s diversity was identified and Soil samples were collected from different sites and evaluated for soil fertility status. The physico-chemical analysis; organic carbon content, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, available K, soil pH, soil texture, sodium etc… was analyzed. The main soil macro invertebrates identified were Termites ( order Isoptera), Beetles (order Coleoptera), Wasps (Hymenoptera), Millipedes (order diplopoid), Centipedes (chilopoda), Ants (Hymenoptera) and Earthworm (order Opisthopora). The average selected chemical properties of the soil were Soil PH (5.60), Total Nitrogen (0.23), and Organic carbon (2.44), Phosphorus (2.63), Calcium (22.73), Potassium (0.376) and Sodium (0.096). There is significant association between soil macro invertebrate groups and selected soil physical and chemical properties. To conserve soil resources, it needs highest attention of policy makers as well as land use planners to concentrate their efforts on land management strategies based on land use system.

Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in Relation to Selected Environmental Parameters along Nairobi River, Kenya

Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in Relation to Selected Environmental Parameters along Nairobi River, Kenya

Macroinvertebrates of Altai mountain rivers: factors of their formation and features of distribution within altitudinal gradient

With an increase in altitude, both abiotic and biotic conditions in mountain watercourses change. To assess the features of spatial distribution of macroinvertebrates as well as to identify the driving factors of this dynamics, the data on species richness, abundance and biomass of EPT taxa (mayfly, stonefly, caddisfly) from 21 small mountain rivers of Altai were analyzed. By location, all rivers were divided into 4 groups: the ones running in the low-mountain (<1000 m asl) zone, in the low (1000–1500) and upper (1500–2000) parts of the middle mountains and in the high-mountain (>2000 m asl) zone. A total of 71 EPT macroinvertebrate taxa were recorded in the studied streams. Species richness (according to the average species number per sample) as well as abundance and biomass of macroinvertebrates decreased with an increase in altitude. The maximum variance in structural indicators of communities appeared due to the combined influence of the location of the altitudinal zone and phytoplankton development level (estimated by the content of chlorophyll a). At the same time, categorical predictors (both abiotic and biotic) included in the analysis better explained the variability of diversity-related indicators than that of abundance and biomass. When developing the environmental monitoring programs for mountain watercourses, the identified trends in reduction (with altitude) of species richness of macroinvertebrate taxa responsible for the formation of taxonomically poor and strongly vulnerable communities in high-altitude areas should be taken into account.

Using benthic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic stressors on water quality and sediment properties of a West African lagoon

This study aimed to investigate the impact of anthropogenic stressors (landfilling, navigation for transport of goods, cooling in fossil fuel, urbanization, industrial expansion, agriculture activities, and recreational activities) on environmental variables, microbiological quality, and sediment properties using benthic macroinvertebrates as a bioindicator within Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria. Four (4) sampling stations were established with respect to their importance/anthropogenic activities within the Lagos Lagoon. Surface water, bottom substrates, and benthic macroinvertebrate fauna samples were collected bimonthly from each sampling station for a year and analyzed using appropriate standard methods and procedures. The highest pH range of 7.96–8.01 (7.98 ± 2.35) was recorded at Site IV, while the lowest range of 6.41–7.01 (6.15 ± 1.14) was observed at Site II, and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) among the pH mean values across the sites. High values of salinity, chloride, sodium, COD, BOD, manganese, nickel, cadmium, and nitrate were recorded among the surface water physicochemical parameters, which were above WHO (2011) permissible limits, while the high concentrations of toxic metals (Pb, Cr, Zn, and Cd) was recorded in sediment. A total of 26 species of benthic macroinvertebrates were recorded during this study, which belongs to eight (8) classes. Gastropoda recorded the highest percentage contribution of 39.12%, followed by polychaeta accounting for 30.34%, while malacostraca contributed 2.63%. The highest abundance of macroinvertebrates was recorded at Site I (256 Indiv/m2), followed by Site IV (252 Indiv/m2), and the least was observed at Site II (195 Indiv/m2). Based on the results of the physico-chemical, heavy metals, microbial quality, and macroinvertebrates assemblage obtained from this study revealed the adverse effect of anthropogenic activities on water quality degradation. It plays a significant role in the distribution and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in an aquatic environment.