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Published:
Dec 31, 2021Keywords:
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Main Article Content
Assessment of Water Quality Status and Benthic Fauna Diversity of Amuzuta Stream, Umuahia, Southeast Nigeria
Abstract
The assessment of water quality status and benthic fauna composition of Amuzuta Stream in Umuahia Southeastern part of Nigeria was carried in this study. Physiochemical and microbiological parameters were measured following standard procedures, and the benthic fauna’s were identified accordingly. Data collected were compared to World Health Organization (WHO) standards and analyzed using one factor Analysis of variance (ANOVA). Correlation analysis was used to establish relationship between physiochemical parameters at 5% level of significance. The stream showed high bacterial and faecal load, all above the WHO limit. Benthic fauna composition and identification was carried out under a stereomicroscope and a 400X optical microscope. The benthic fauna of the stream in the dry season were dominated by Melanodies and Chronomidae (38%) followed by Veliidae, Gyrinidae, Zypoptera (6%) > Gomphidae and Hydrocarina (3%); while in the rainy season, Zygopterasp and Germidae H16 (18%) were more distributed. The ranking for remaining organisms was Hydropsychidae, Oligachaeta and Naedidae (12%)>Philopotamide, Gamphidae, Libelludae, Ecnomidae, and Caloptergidae (6%). Worms and Diptera (in dry season) and Odonata and Hemiptera (in rainy season) were the most distributed benthos. The Water Quality Index (WQI) for the stream for both seasons was calculated to be 41, and the water was found to be under excellent to good water quality for domestic use but not for drinking purpose. Further assessment of the stream water and necessary measures to be taken to prevent and reduce contamination of the water is highly recommended.
