The effect of physico chemical parameter on the distribution of fresh water snails in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Some species of freshwater snails are known to be intermediate hosts of biomedical importance. This study was conducted to identify some physico-chemical parameters of water bodies associated with the distribution of freshwater snail species in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Eight water  bodies in four locations were surveyed for the presence of freshwater snails. Five physico chemical parameters (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen  content, salinity and water speed) were measured using standard water  meters. A correlation matrix between the water parameters and the snail species were analysed. A total of 1,225 freshwater snails belonging to eight species and families were collected in the study area. These were Bulinus truncatus 304 (24.8%), B. umbilicatus 162 (13.2%), B. globosus 138 (11.3%), Biomphalaria pfeifferi 138 (11.3%), Aplexa waterloti 190 (15.5%), Physa acuta 96 (7.8%), Lymnea natalensis (15.8%). and Melanoides tuberculata 3 (0.2%). Three of these snail species {B. globosus, B. Pfeffeiri and L. natalensis} which are known intermediate hosts of schistosomes were reasonably present in the study area. Out of the five water parameters investigated, two (Dissolved oxygen content and salinity) were found to significantly associated with the distribution of freshwater snail species in the area (P<0.05). The study recommends freshwater snail control intervention to interrupt the   transmission and spread of human and animal diseases in the area.