Benthic macroinvertebrate diversity as biological indicators of health status of Kibumba urban wetland, Kigali City, Rwanda

Abstract

Kibumba wetland is one of the urban wetlands in Kigali City, Rwanda. Human settlements surround the wetland and some anthropogenic activities take place within it. Its hosted biodiversity including benthic macroinvertebrates (BMIs) is unknown, while its protection would rely on knowledge of its biodiversity. In that regard, a study to document its hosted benthic macroinvertebrates was designed to assess its benthic macroinvertebrate diversity and its health status. The study's objectives were specifically to i) assess the diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Kibumba urban wetland and ii) assess the health status of the wetland based on the sensitivity of benthic macro-invertebrates to pollution. Data collection was conducted in April 2024. Benthic macroinvertebrate specimens were collected using a kick net, stored in 70% alcohol, and identified using available identification keys on African aquatic fauna. Sixteen benthic macroinvertebrate families of the pollution tolerant category were identified from collected samples. The pollution of the wetland mainly results from anthropogenic activities including agriculture, waste disposal, and wastewater from surrounding human settlements, especially from industry complexes, and sand extraction. This was the first study at the wetland and its findings serve as baseline data on which protection measures of the wetland should be based on.