Relative Abundance, Richness and Diversity of Bottom Sediment of Macroinvertebrates in Okhuaihe River, Ikpe community, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Components of species diversity involves species richness and relative abundance within a biological community. Hence, this paper is set out to assess the relative abundance, richness and diversity of bottom sediment of macroinvertebrates in Okhuaihe River, Ikpe Community, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, using standardized analytical techniques. Data obtained reveals that most of the metrics in the sediment samples fell within the tolerable ranges allowed by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the World Health Organization. Dipterans were the majority group among the twenty-eight (28) taxa that made up the 931 individuals collected, and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant difference in the overall density (p > 0.05) between the sampling stations. Shannon (H) showed that Station 2 was more diverse (2.723) and least in Station 4 (2.496), while evenness (E) was highest in Station 2 (0.6342) and lowest in Station 3 (0.5248). Species richness as measured by Margalef’s index showed that Station 1 was highest (4.873) and least in Station 4 (3.99). There was a remarkable presence of Diptera, Coleoptera, Odonata, and Haplotaxida, while the nonappearance of sensitive species suggests possible contamination and pollution. Regular monitoring of the river’s sediment quality, including the activities and effluents that are discharged into the river is advised.