WATER POLLUTION:

EFFECTS OF POLLUTION ON WATER AND FISH PRODUCTION USING MACRO

INVERTEBRATES AS BIO-INDICATORS
Abstract

The study was carried out on the effects of pollution on water and fish production using macro
invertebrates as bio-indicators. The study was carried out in Numu pond, Niger state.Monthly
sampling of the three study sites was carried out from November to December 2012 for the dry
season and April to July 2013, for the wet season towards the end of every month, between 7am
and 10.30am every sampling day. Macroinvertebrates samples were collected using a 3min Kick
method with a D-frame net (800µm mesh) along an approximate 25m long wadeable stretch of
the pond. Three different samples were taken at each sampling site, which covered all different
substrate and flow regime zones. After sampling, live sorting was carried out in the laboratory
within a few hours of collection. All statistical test were based on  = 0.05 level of significance.
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the statistical analysis of the physicochemical
variables and Ephemeroptera and Odonata distribution. The macroinvertebrates was sparse in
Numu pond from the study result. This was due to the ephemeral and lentic nature of the pond.
From the physicochemical parameters and macroinvertebrates sampled, it shows that the pond is
becoming perturbed, probably due to various anthropogenic activities carried out along the
course of the pond. The study recommended that more detailed research on the
macroinvertebrates of Numu pond, especially their use as biological indicators of water quality.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Justification
1.3 Aim
1.4 Objectives
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 MATERIAL AND METHOD
3.1 STUDY AREA
3.3 SAMPLING TECHNIQUES
3.4 PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS
3.4.1 Temperature
3.4.2 Dissolved oxygen
3.4.3 Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
3.4.4 pH
3.4.5 Nitrate-nitrogen:
3.4.6 Phosphate-phosphorus:
3.5 COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF MACROINVERTEBRATE SPECIES
3.6 Sorting and preserving the samples.
3.7 Identification
3.8 Data analysis
3.8.1 Indices of species diversity
3.8.2 Simpsons index
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 RESULTS
4.1.1 Temperature
4.1.2 pH:
4.1.3 Conductivity:
4.1.4 Dissolved Oxygen (DO):
4.1.5 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD):
4.1.6 Nitrate:
4.1.7 Phosphate:
4.2 Composition, Distribution and Abundance of Macroinvertebrate in Numu Pond.
4.3 Taxa richness, Evenness, Diversity indices of macroinvertebrates of the sampling sites of
Numu Pond.
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Discussion
5.1.1 Physicochemical Parameters
5.1.2 Composition, Distribution and Abundance of Macroinvertebrate in Numu Pond.
5.2 Conclusion and recommendations
REFERENCES
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Although biologist have been studying the effects of human activities on aquatic systems

and its effects on fish production for decades, their findings have only relatively recently being

translated into methods suitable for monitoring the quality of water bodies. Mostly, bio-

indicators such as benthic macro-invertebrates, phytoplankton and zooplankton are among the

common bio-indicator organisms used during bio-monitoring of water to determine the

suitability for fish production (Tassi, 2009). Artificial (and in some cases natural) changes in the

physical and chemical nature of freshwaters can produce diverse biological effect ranging from

the severe (such as a total fish kill) to the subtle (for example, changes in enzymes level or sub-

cellular components of organisms) (Pagano et.al., 2006), changes like these indicates that the

ecosystem and its associated organisms are under stress or that the ecosystem has become

unbalanced (Masona, 2007). Because flora and fauna of various trophic levels can integrate the

effects of water quality or habitat changes over time, they become effective pollution indicators

(Fernando, 2002). The concentration of a pollutant in an organism is the result of many variables

such as the concentration of the pollutant in the water, the physical-chemical form of the

pollutant, the membrane permeability of the organism, the type and quantity of food and its

degree of contamination, the physiological state of the organism and the characteristics of the

physical environment influencing the organism as well as the pollutant (Rose et.al., 2003). The

response of biological communities or of the individual organism can be monitored in a variety

of ways to indicate effects on the ecosystem. The co-existence and abundance of certain species
at a particular location can indicate for example whether that habitat has been adversely altered

(Pearl et al., 2003). The reactions of individual organisms such as behavioral, physiological or

morphological changes can also be studied as responses to stress or adverse stimuli (for example

caused by the presence of contaminants (Bailey et al., 2001).

Lakes and rivers are a very important part of our natural heritage. They have been widely

utilized by mankind over the centuries to the extent that very few, if any are now in a natural

condition. Though water pollution is an old phenomenon, the rate of industrialization and

consequently, urbanization has aggravated its effect on the environment (Asonye et al., 2007).

Availability of safe and reliable source of water is an essential prerequisite for sustained

development. Water quality assessment is of immense importance to practices involving the use

of water bodies such as: in the management of fisheries, water supply, pollution, irrigation and

sewage reservoir and impoundment, to mention but a few. Pollution status of water bodies are

usually expressed as biological and physiochemical parameters (Adakole et al., 2001). Water

pollution is of great consequence because both terrestrial and aquatic life may be affected; it may

cause disease due to the presence of some hazardous substances, may distort the water

community, add odours and significantly hinder economic activities (Asonye et al., 2007).

If an environment receives a foreign pollutant, the organism living in it will start to take

up the pollutant, from the water or food, and concentrate it in its body (Straskraba and Tundisi,

2008). Assuming that the pollutant concentration in the environment is constant overtime and the

pollutant concentration in the organism body increases, death will occur after a long period.

Conversely, a continuous decrease of the pollutant concentration in the medium produces a

corresponding release of the pollutant form the organism, with some delay (Anmtage, 2008).
 The kinetics of both pollutant uptake and release by the organism has the same pattern for

any substance and animal species, whereas the uptake-and loss-rate are dependent on the

characteristics of the organism as well as on those of the pollutant and the environmental

conditions.

Bio-monitoring is measuring the conditions and integrity of various sources of water to

ensure the health and fitness of the water body for the growth and production of fish species. For

lotic (running) water systems, analysis of benthic macro-invertebrate communities provides the

principal means of achieving this, particularly since macro-invertebrates are more stationary and

less temporal than periphytic or attached microscopic communities (Relyea, 2008).

Biological monitoring refers to the collection and analysis of stream macro-invertebrate

communities as indicators of water or habitat quality. Macro-invertebrates are larger than

microscopic primary benthic (bottom dwelling) fauna, which are generally ubiquitous in fresh

water and estuarine environments and play an integral role in the aquatic food web (Bernard et.

al., 2003), they are the most commonly used bio-indicator of water quality among the

community of indicator organisms because the presence or absence of certain pollution tolerant

or intolerant species can be a great determining factor in ascertaining the level of pollution of the

water available for fish production.

Total absence of pollution intolerant species, indicates bad water quality which may have

adverse effect on fishes inhabiting such water bodies or in most cases, death of the fishes. They

are insects and animals without backbone (invertebrates) that can be seen with unaided eye

(without a microscope) that live in and on the bottom of streams, lakes, ponds, reservoirs,

estuaries and oceans (Downing and Rigler, 2002). Insects (largely immature forms) are

especially characteristics of freshwaters; other major groups include worms, mollusk (snails,
clams) and crustaceans (scuds, shrimp etc.) (Lathrop and Markowitz, 2001). They are more

readily collected and quantified than either fish or periphyton community. Species comprising

the upstream communities occupy various niches, based on functional adaptation or feeding

mode (e.g. predators, filter or detritus, feeders, scavenger); their presence and relative abundance

is governed by environmental conditions (which may determine available food supply) and by

pollution tolerance levels of the respective species (Cardoso et.al., 2006).

Benthic macro invertebrates are of great importance in assessing water quality available

for fish culture because they have several characteristics that makes them easy to study and show

clear responses when faced with adverse environmental conditions (Davis and Simon, 2005).

Aquatic Pollution

Degradable wastes are organic materials that can undergo decomposition through

bacterial attack. The inputs that can be included under this category are urban sewage,

agricultural waste, food processing waste distillery waste, paper-pulp mill waste, and organic

discharge from chemical industry and oil spillages (Hutchinson, 2000). In addition, inputs like

leaves and grass clippings and run-off from livestock feedlots and pastures also contributes to

this. When natural bacteria and other micro-organisms in the water breaks down to organic

materials, they use up the oxygen dissolved in water (Edington and Hildrew, 2003). Most of the

fishes and bottom dwelling animals cannot survive when levels of dissolved oxygen drops too

low. When this occurs, it kills fishes and other aquatic organisms in large numbers, which leads

to disruption in food chain.

Fertilizers containing nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates could also have effects

similar to those of organic wastes. In excess levels, nutrient over-stimulates the growth of aquatic

plants and algae (Moore, 2000). Excessive growth of these clogs waterways, uses up dissolved
oxygen as organisms decompose besides and thereby blocking light to deeper waters. The

depletion of oxygen in turn, proves very harmful to aquatic organisms as it affects respiration of

fish (Campaioli et. al., 2004) and other aquatic organisms that derive oxygen from water.

Heat, acids and alkalis and some chemicals such as cyanides can be considered as

dissipating wastes as they lose damaging effects soon after they enter water bodies. Particulates

like dredging spoil, fly-ash, China clay-waste, colliery waste and a variety of man-made

materials like plastics are inert but they may clog feeding and respiratory structures of animals

and may also reduce photosynthesis by reducing light penetration or may smother benthos

(Simons, 2009). Conservative wastes like heavy metal, halogenated hydrocarbons and

radioactive material are not subject to microbial attack and therefore, exist over a long duration

and cause harm to plants and animal (Lampert and Sommer, 2004).

Sources of Pollution

The sources of pollution of a given water body, can be categorized as point and non-

point. Point source of pollution occurs when polluting substances are emitted directly into water

ways. A pipe channeling toxic chemicals directly into a river is an example. A non-point source

occurs, when there is run-off of pollutants into a water way, for instance, when fertilizers for

agricultural fields are carried into a stream by surface run-off. The common point sources of

pollution are municipal and industrial waste effluent, run-off fields; discharge from vessels,

storage tanks and piles of chemical, run-off from construction sites; and by passes from Sewers

and sanitary pipes (Pollard, 2000).

The non-point sources include flow from agricultural field, and orchards, run-off from

logging operations, urban run-off from logging operations, urban run-off from unsewed areas
and septic tanks leachates, atmospheric deposition and rural runoff from roads, when toxic

substances enter lakes, stream, rivers, oceans and other water-bodies, these get dissolved, i.e.

suspended in water or get deposited on bed (Hynes, 2002). This results in water pollution thereby

quality of water deteriorates, affecting aquatic eco-systems, pollutants can also seep down and

affect ground water deposits. The most important sources of pollution are city sewage and

industrial waste discharged into rivers by virtue of the quantities in which these are discharged.

According to Lenat (2004), only about 10 percent of the waste water generated at present, is

being treated, allowing about 90 percent of it to directly enter receiving water. Due to this,

pollutants enter ground water, rivers and other water bodies and may even harbor pathogens.

Agricultural run-off or the water from fields that drain into rivers is another major source of

water pollution as it could be rich in the major nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous and

pesticides (Mecan, 2004).

Bio-Monitoring

Testing for chemical pollution in our nation’s water bodies, have traditionally meant

using analytical chemistry. In recent years, environmental agencies have endorsed biological

monitoring to enhance or replace chemical monitoring. The theory behind biological monitoring

(bio-monitoring) is to use the organisms living in the aquatic system as a measure of water

quality. These concepts have being applied to the study of so many water bodies and have

proven effective in the determination of the water quality for fish production (Homing and

Pollard, 2008).

Bio-monitoring an aquatic system uses the same theoretical approach. Aquatic organisms

are subject to pollutants in the stream as if flows by day and night. Consequently, the health of
organisms reflects the quality of water they live in. If the pollution levels reach a critical

concentration, certain organisms will migrate; fail to reproduce or die, eventually leading to the

disappearance of these species at the polluted site (Parker and Salansky, 2007). Normally, these

organisms will return if conditions improve in the system.

Bio-monitoring involves the use of organisms to assess the health of the environment and

is based on our understanding of how organisms interact with their environment. Bio-monitoring

focuses on changes in community structure (distribution and abundance) (Cao et. al., 2007). The

biological monitoring commonly used are based on the presence or absence of taxa indicators of

environmental wellbeing (e.g. biotic indices) or on the complexity of the community identified

with the level of environmental well-being (e.g. Diversity indices).

Biological monitoring (biotic and diversity indices) is not a direct measure of the

biological effect produced by pollution, because the observed alterations may be due, in addition

to the pollution, to other stress (e.g. natural or anthropogenic stress not caused by pollutants).

Nevertheless, biological monitoring, when applied to the same community over time, may reflect

some biological modifications, showing that the community, and then the physical environment

have been stressed. As a consequence, biological monitoring may be considered a useful

“warning signal” (Rundle et. al., 2002).

1.2 Justification

Niger State has a large proportion of freshwater bodies. This natural endowment,

specifically Numu temporal pond, located in Numu quarters of Bosso Local Government Area of

Minna, Niger State. Evaluating its pollution status by comparing various indicators will provide

a good reference material on the pollution status of the pond.

1.3 Aim

To use macroinvertebrates as biological indicator of water pollution.

1.4 Objectives

Specific objectives are;

1. To determine the physicochemical properties of the pond.

2. To determine species composition and distribution of macroinvertebrates in the pond.

3. To use the macroinvertebrates present in the pond to access the pollution status of the

pond.
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

The study of macroinvertebrates is a wide spread subject that can be expressed in so

many ways. Many workers have made significant contribution to the study of biological

parameters (macroinvertebrates) of fresh water bodies both in Nigeria and overseas.

Arimoro, (2010), carried out a survey on microhabitat preference, diversity and ecology

of aquatic mites in a municipal stream in the Niger Delta. The information he encountered on

water mite assemblages from afrotropical streams were scanty. During the study, he investigated

the aspects of the ecology of the aquatic mites of the Orogodo River, Niger Delta, Nigeria. The

study was carried out between January and June 2006. Water samples and aquatic mites were

collected from four different microhabitats in Orogodo River, analyzed and studied. The water at

the site of sampling was slightly acidic at pH 5.8 - 7.4, water temperature ranged from 24.6 to

33.7oC, dissolved oxygen 6.6 - 8.4mg/l and Biochemical Oxygen demand (BOD) 1.9 - 4.0mg/l.

These parameters fluctuated within the normal range suitable for habitation of

macroinvertebrates intolerant to organic pollution. A survey of different microhabitats in the

stream revealed that water mites were widely distributed but relatively less abundant. A total of

386 mites belonging to five species in five families were recorded. Arrenurus damkoehleri and

Piona africana were the dominant mites with the latter being the most ubiquitous species

recovered from all microhabitats studied. EncenItridophorus was the least abundant, recovered

only from litter in riffle. Based on the ecological requirements, the mites fell into three groups

namely, Helocrene, Rheocrenes and Limnocrene. The number and diversity of mites were found

to be more abundant in the macrophytes and riffle microhabitats compared to other microhabitats
as indicated by the rather high Simpson dominance (0.755) recorded for the pool. Typical

standing water dwellers represented only a small fraction of the species sampled. A principal

component analysis clearly grouped the various mite species with the microhabitat having the

greatest influence on their distribution.

Belore et al., (2002), studied the use of diatoms and macroinvertebrates as bioindicators

of water quality in southern Ontario Rivers. The effectiveness of diatoms and macroinvertebrates

as indicators of environmental conditions in lotic systems was compared in a regional

assessment. Benthic samples were collected during summer 2000 from 35 Provincial Water

Quality Monitoring river stations in the Grand, Credit, Maitland and Upper Thames watersheds

in southern Ontario. Patterns of diatom and macroinvertebrates taxon distributions in relation to

environmental variables were determined using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). 'Total

nitrate, phosphate, conductivity and alkalinity were significant in explaining diatom data, while

alkalinity, total nitrate, ammonium and total nitrogen were significant in explaining invertebrate

data. The Eigen values of the first two CCA axes were significant (p < 0.05) for both diatoms

and invertebrates, while the invertebrate analysis explained more taxonomic variation (19o/o r., s

120/o). Regression and calibration models were developed for total nitrate. The correlation

between taxon-inferred and observed values was higher for diatoms than invertebrates in the

analysis (0.70 zs. 0.59); however, cross-validation with bootstrapping indicated that apparent

coefficients may be inflated. Biotic indices were also calculated. The composite invertebrate

metric scores gave a slightly closer representation of water quality conditions than the diatom

trophic index, but, biotic indices were not as effective as CCA in describing sites. Overall, the

invertebrate and diatom communities were similar in their abilities to predict water quality.
 Sharma et al., (2006), investigated the water quality assessment of Behta River using

macroinvertebrates. They discovered that aquatic macroinvertebrates play significant role in

responding to a variety of environmental condition of rivers and streams and therefore may be

used as bio-indicators for water quality assessment. They choose the Behta River of Paonta

Sahib in Himachal Pradesh assess the suitability of river water for drinking purposes. Their study

involved sampling, pre-identification and identification of macroinvertebrates and computing the

percent of occurrence of families of various taxonomic groups and conducting physico-chemical

analysis of samples from selected location. Macroinvertebrates chosen were identified up to

family level, and bio-assessment at various locations was done using NEPBIOS score system. It

was found that out of total of 30 genus belonging to 10 families of taxonomical group like

Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Plecoptera, Coleoptera, Heteroptera, Odonata, Diptera Mollusca,

Oligochaetes etc were found in different composition inhabiting the river. The results further

show that all the locations assessed for quality using macroinvertebrates and physico-chemical

analysis were in the range of water quality class ill (Moderately Polluted) and the water cannot

be used for drinking purposes.

Emere et al., (2009), carried out a survey which was conducted from March to

September, 2005 on a fourth order perennial Northern Nigerian stream to evaluate the water

quality using the macrobenthic invertebrate community of the bank root biotope. The physico-

chemical variables were determined using standard methods. A total of 1304 macroinvertebrates

were recovered. Twenty-seven taxa were recorded. The higher number of taxa (23) was recorded

at station 2. The abundance of individuals was highest at station 3. The presence of low densities

of pollution tolerant macroinvertebrate groups, the deteriorating water quality and the physico-

chemical conditions of the water during the dry season months was a reflection of organic
pollution stress caused by decomposing domestic refuse and inorganic fertilizer washed into the

stream by irrigation.

Nkwoji et al., (2010), surveyed the implication of bioindicator in ecological health: study

of a coastal lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria. The study of the benthic macroinvertebrates and water

chemistry of three polluted sites and one relatively clean site of the Lagos lagoon were

investigated by monthly sample collection from September, 2009 to February, 2010. Their aim

was to use the population dynamics of some macro benthic invertebrates to assess the health

status of the study area. The total Dissolved Solids, Total Suspended Solids, Total Organic

Carbon and Conductivity of the water samples showed significant differences among the

sampling stations (p<0.05). Other physico-chemical parameters showed no significant difference

(p>0.05) among the study stations. A total of 9 invertebrate taxa made up of 571 individuals

were recorded. Station 3 had the largest number of species (8) and individuals (447) accounting

for 78.28% of the total number of individual collected throughout the period of study. Station 4

recorded the least number of individuals (9) accounting for only about 1.58%. The class

gastropoda had the highest number of individuals (546) accounting for about 95.62% of

individuals collected in all the stations. The low faunal abundance in the three polluted sites and

the presence of pollution tolerant species in these sites were indications that these stations were

ecologically unhealthy sites.

Pransanth et al., (2013), surveyed the aquatic macroinvertebrate as bioindicator of stream

water quality- a case study in Koratty, Kerala, India. The paper discusses the results of an

attempt to test the suitability of aquatic macroinvertebrates as bioindicator of stream water

quality in a natural water course locally referred as Koratty chal that runs through the length of

agricultural lands in Koratty region. Rapid bioassessment protocol recommended by

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was followed utilizing Kick net and D’net of 500μm

mesh size to sample the macroinvertebrates. Family Biotic Index (FBI) calculated using the

tolerance value of different taxa showed that there was remarkable variation in water quality

along the stream. FBI values were around 4.1-5.0 in upstream reaches indicating good water

quality. Deterioration of water quality downstream was evidenced in the FBI value of 5.3-5.5 in

the mid reaches and 6.0-6.5 in the lower reaches. These values were also found to be in

conformity with the water quality as assessed at the biomonitoring sites. It was thus concluded

that biomonitoring is feasible in such streams in the region to obtain a quick assessment of water

quality.

Ajuzie, (2012) investigated macroinvertebrate communities in two tropical reservoirs

(Lamingo and Liberty reservoirs) in Jos, Nigeria. Ajuzie defined macroinvertebrates as animals

without backbones. He further explained that those adapted to aquatic life have representatives in

a variety of animal groups that include hydras, worms, molluscs and arthropods. His study

investigated the taxon richness of macroinvertebrates in two tropical neighboring reservoirs

located in the biotite granite-rockstrewn Lamingo village in Jos North Local Government Area

of Plateau state, Nigeria. The two reservoirs were subjected to different levels of human

interferences. The overall idea was to provide a preliminary inventory (baseline data) of

macroinvertebrate taxa in the two water bodies that will serve as references for future works in

the reservoirs. A pond net was used to sample the benthic zone at the shallower parts of the

reservoirs’ littoral zone, in a shovel- and rake-like manner. Benthic matter (mud, silt, sand, small

gravels and detritus as well as associated invertebrates) collected was washed through a

vegetable sieve and then through a tea sieve - procedures which made it possible to pick out and

sort the macroinvertebrates. Captured animals were identified to family level. Lamingo reservoir
had more taxa than Liberty reservoir. Out of the 199 animals recorded for the two reservoirs,

80.40 % were recorded in samples collected from Lamingo reservoir. A striking observation was

that whereas mollucs (gastropods and bivalves) were present in samples collected from Lamingo

reservoir, no mollusc was recorded in samples collected from Liberty reservoir. The fewer taxa

recorded for Liberty reservoir could be as a result of ecological disturbance occasioned by

human activities (farming on the catchment area, extraction of water for crop farming,

silviculture, and for block moulding, as well as water tankers driving into the reservoir to collect

water). Some management strategies that could help reduce human impacts on the reservoirs

were also suggested.

Biddanda et al., (2011) surveyed benthic macroinvertebrate and fish community in Lake

Huron as a linkage to submerged groundwater vents. He was of the opinion that groundwater can

be an important source of nutrients and energy to aquatic ecosystems, but quantifying the inputs

and biogeochemical importance remains challenging. A series of submerged groundwater vents

in northern Lake Huron were examined to determine the linkage between groundwater nutrients

and aquatic food webs. They collected samples of key food-web components from groundwater

vent and reference habitats and analyzed them for 13C, 15N, and 34S isotopes. Dissolved

inorganic carbon (DIC) in the groundwater was depleted in 13C, while aqueous sulphate was

enriched in 34S (mean differences between groundwater and reference sites were –3.9‰ and

+12.0‰, respectively). Benthic primary producers, macroinvertebrates, and benthivorous fish

had significantly lower δ13C values in groundwater environments, and benthivorous fish were

somewhat depleted (–2.5‰) in δ34S at groundwater sites compared to reference sites. However,

δ15N values were not different between groundwater and reference sites, and pelagic

components of the ecosystems (plankton and planktivorous and piscivorous fish) were similar in
both δ13C and δ15N. These data suggest benthic metazoan communities surrounding

groundwater vents were partially linked to groundwater-derived benthic primary production,

while planktivorous and piscivorous communities not directly associated with the benthos do not

rely on groundwater nutrients.

Bredenhand, (2005) evaluated macroinvertebrates as bioindicator of water quality and the

assessment of the impact of the Klein plaa dam on the Eerste River. His study was undertaken on

the Eerste River in the Western Cape, South Africa, focusing on the impact of the Klein Plaas

dam system on the benthic macroinvertebrates. The study also examined the use of benthic

macroinvertebrates as bioindicators of water quality with special reference to the South African

Scoring System Version 5(SASS5) that is currently being used nationally. The impoundment of

the water, as well as the inter-basin transfer programme and the experimental cage-culture trout

farm, all played a significant role in the disturbance impact of the dam on the Eerste River

system. The disturbance was manifested as a drop in water quality that can be seen in the

distribution of keystone species, changes in the riparian vegetation, as well as in physical-,

chemical-, and biomonitoring evaluations. The study also indicated that the SASS5 is effective,

but needs some adjustments, such as inclusion of a prediction phase, finer spatial-scale

methodologies and greater consideration of the rarity of species.

Findlay et al., (2007) investigated aquatic macroinvertebrates in urban waterways:

comparing ecosystem health in natural reference and urban streams. A macroinvertebrate survey

and water chemistry study of small coastal upland streams was conducted in the Ku-ring-gai

Council area in the northern suburbs of Sydney. The purpose of this six year investigation was to

provide information on the ecological condition of its waterways. The study revealed that all

streams draining urbanized catchments exhibited clear signs of ecological impairment, in

contrast to local reference sites. The macroinvertebrate survey reported lower SIGNAL scores

and fewer pollution sensitive Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera in the urban streams

when compared against naturally vegetated non-urban streams. Further, the urban waterways

revealed different water chemistry than the reference sites that were soft, dilute and acidic.
 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 MATERIAL AND METHOD

3.1 STUDY AREA

NUMU TEMPORAL POND

Numu pond came into existence as a result of human activities at Numu layout at Rafin - Yashi

village in Bosso, Minna, Niger state. These activities included excavation of sand from the site

by building developers around the vicinity which overtime, became a sort of a ground reservoir

holding water during rainy seasons but completely dries out during the dry season, from the

months of November-March. It lies between the latitude 6o30’27”E – 6o30’25”E and longitude

9o40’6”N – 9o40’5”N of the equator. It is located in Bosso Local Government Area, in Minna,

Niger State. The pond was divided into three study sites, A, B and C (Fig. 3.1). The climate in

Minna is tropical with annual temperature, relative humidity and rainfall of 30.2 0C, 61% and

1334mm, respectively. The climate represents two distinct seasons, a rainy season between April

and October, with the highest mean monthly rainfall in September and a dry season (November-

March) completely.
Fig 3.1 Map of Africa showing the location of Nigeria.
Fig 3.2 Map of Nigeria showing the location of Niger State.
Fig 3.3 Map showing the location of Maikunkele, Chanchaga, Gidan-kwano and Numu pond.
 NUMU POND

Fig 3.4 Map showing the various study sites (A, B and C) in Numu pond.
Fig 3.5 Pictorial illustration of the study site.

3.3 SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

Monthly sampling of the three study sites was carried out from November to December 2012 for

the dry season and April to July 2013, for the wet season towards the end of every month,

between 7am and 10.30am every sampling day.

3.4 PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS

3.4.1 Temperature

Air and water temperature were taken using a mercury-in-glass thermometer graduated in units

of °C. For the water temperature, the thermometer is slightly immersed under the surface of

water for 5 minutes until mercury remained stable at a point.

3.4.2 Dissolved oxygen

The dissolved oxygen (DO) was determined using the Winkler’s method (APHA, 1992). A 250

m1 stopper bottle was immersed beneath the water surface, the stopper was removed until the

bottle was filled and then stoppered tightly under the water to exclude air bubbles.

The dissolved oxygen was then fixed by adding 1ml of Winklers Solution, A (Manganese

(II) Sulphate) followed by 1ml of solution B (Potassium Iodide). After Winkler’s solution A and

B were added to the water, the stoppered bottle was inverted several times to mix the sample and

the reagents. The Potassium Iodide in solution B reacts with Manganese in solution A to form a

brown precipitate of Manganous Iodide. The precipitate was allowed to settle completely for 15

minutes; the precipitate settled in the lower half of the bottle leaving clear solution above. In the

laboratory, the precipitate was dissolved with I ml of concentrated Sulphuric Acid (H 2S04). 100

ml of the water sample was titrated against 0.0125 M sodium thiosulphate solution (Na 2S2O3) to

a pale yellow color. At this point 2 drops of starch indicator was added and swirled to mix, the

titration was continued until the color changed from the blue black to colorless. The dissolved

oxygen was calculated with the formula.

Volume of Sodium Thiosulphate (ml) x 1000

Dissolved Oxygen = Volume of Sodium Thiosulphate (ml) x 1000

 Volume of Sample (ml) x 10

Where, 10 and 1000 are constants.

DO in mg/l = (ml of titrant) (N) (1000)

Sample in mls

Where N = Normality of the titrant

All chemicals were freshly prepared

3.4.3 Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)

This was determined according to APHA (1992) method. At the field, the reagent bottles set

aside for BOD were filled with water samples and tied in black polythene bags to avoid any form

of photosynthesis. They were taken to the laboratory and kept in a dark cupboard. After five (5)

days, they were united and fixed using the Winklers solution A and B. The procedure for

carrying out dissolved oxygen was repeated to check the amount of oxygen that has been used up

by microorganisms and the one left.

BOD = DOo – DO5 (mg/l)

DOo = Initial dissolved oxygen at the first day

DO5 = dissolved oxygen value after 5 days

Results expressed in milligram per litre (mg/l)

3.4.4 pH
 The pH of the water at each site was measured using battery operated field pH meter

(Model ETh 3055). The probe was immersed in the water before it was switched to “on position”

to measure the pH.

3.4.5 Nitrate-nitrogen:

The nitrate-nitrogen was determined using ultraviolet spectrophotometric method (APHA,

1992). Brief standard nitrate solution containing 0 to 350g was prepared and used to plot the

standard curve. The color of the water sample was removed by adding 4ml of aluminum

hydroxide suspension to 100mI of the water sample. There after 1ml of 0.1M hydrochloric acid

was added to 50mls of the clear water samples. The optical density was read at 220nm. The

optical density was converted to nitrate equivalent by reading the nitrate value from the standard

curve measured in mg/l.

3.4.6 Phosphate-phosphorus:

This parameter was determined by stannous chloride method (APHA, 1992). A drop of

phenolphthalein indicator was added to 100ml of the sample and in all the cases no colour

change was observed, thus there was no need for further dilution. To each sample, 4 ml of

ammonium molybdate reagent (1) and 0.5 ml or 10 drops of stannous chloride reagent was added

after both reagents have been thoroughly mixed together. A blue colour was developed as a

result of the mixture. The mixture was allowed to stand for 11 minutes for colour development

and thereafter the absorbance was measured with a Gallenkamp Bausch and lamb spectromic 20

at a wavelength of 690 nm using distilled water blank. Standard phosphate calibration curve was

prepared by measuring the transmittance of the serially diluted standard phosphate solution as in
the case of nitrate. The phosphate concentration of the water sample in mg PO4-P was read from

the prepared phosphate standard calibration curve.

3.4.7 Conductivity:

Conductivity of the samples was determined using a conductivity meter as described by

APHA (1992) method. The conductivity meter has a measurement range 1-1000 s/cm, a

precision within this range of 0.5% and a reference temperature of 25 0C. The water samples were

kept in the tubes at 250C temperature and allowed to stay for 3 minutes to attain thermal

equilibrium. The conductivity cell was rinsed with the first tube while the measurement was

taken from the second tube. The cell constant was calibrated at 25 0C. Conductivity values were

obtained from the calculation below:

E= C 1

Ru 1.002225- (t)

Where, E = Electrical conductivity of sample

C = Constant

Ru = Electrical resistance measured

1.002225 = constant.

3.5 COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF MACROINVERTEBRATE SPECIES

 Macroinvertebrates samples were collected using a 3min Kick method with a D-frame net

(800µm mesh) along an approximate 25m long wadeable stretch of the pond. Three different

samples were taken at each sampling site, which covered all different substrate and flow regime

zones. This sampling strategy was evaluated (a semi-quantitative sample (0.5m 2 quadrant) which

was collected with a modified Kick net (Lazorchak et al.; 1998) by previous sampling

performed prior to the main study and three replicate were established to be good enough to

capture the maximum number of different macroinvertebrate taxa. As the substrate was

disturbed, the operator and the net moved upstream for the required duration of time. Some of

the bank vegetation was also uprooted for collection of organisms that attached to vegetation.

Samples collected from the net were preserved in 10% ethanol formalin and transported to the

Biological Science Laboratory, Federal University of Technology Nigeria.

3.6 Sorting and preserving the samples.

After sampling, live sorting was carried out in the laboratory within a few hours of

collection. A tablespoon was used to collect the sample from polythene bag into tray. A shallow

white tray was used for sorting since it is generally easier to see the animals which can be

identified according to how they move through the water. About 1-2cm of water was added to

the sample before sorting. The water in the white tray was allowed to become clear before debris

was sorted and as the animal move to the surface to hide under the debris, they were picked out

with the use of a forceps. The sorting of the samples collected from each of the three sites was

thoroughly carried out for a 3 hours period. Samples were examined thoroughly and the sorted

macroinvertebrate were placed in a bottle preserved in 10% ethanol.

3.7 Identification
 Under a stereo-microscope, each Ephemeroptera and Odonata was placed for proper

identification and counting. Identification key provided in Pennak, 1978; Durand & Leveque.;

1981; Merritt & Cummins, 1996; Cranston, 2000; Gerber & Gabriel, 2002) were used and

identification to the lowest possible taxonomic level was done before the number of individuals

in each taxonomic group was counted.

3.8 Data analysis

All statistical test were based on  = 0.05 level of significance. Analysis of variance

(ANOVA) was used for the statistical analysis of the physicochemical variables and

Ephemeroptera and Odonata distribution.

3.8.1 Indices of species diversity

Three species richness or variety indices

i. Shannon-Weiner Index (H)

H = N log N-E fi log fi

n-1
where

ii. Evenness Index (E)

E= H
Hmax
Where H = Shannon-Weiner value

Hmax = logarithms of numbers of categories i.e. log K

iii. Margalef Index (d)

 d = S-1
log N

where S = Total number of species

N = Total number of individuals in the sample

Log N = Natural logarithm of N

s

3.8.2 Simpsons index (c) =  pi 2

Where pi = the proportional abundance of the ith (i.e. Pi= ni/N)

species

Where ni = number of individuals of the ith species and N = total number of individuals for all

species.
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 RESULTS

4.1 Physicochemical Parameters

The mean, standard error, minimum and maximum values, ANOVA (F-values) of

physical and chemical parameters of the different sites in Numu pond at Minna are summarized

in Table 4.1. Temperature, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Nitrate and Phosphate where not

significantly different in the sites (p>0.05) while Temperature, Conductivity, Nitrate and

Phosphate shows significant differences in the months sampled (p<0.05). Biochemical Oxygen

Demand (BOD), DO and pH shows no significant differences among the months (p>0.05).
Table 4.1: Summary of physicochemical properties of the study sites, Numu Pond at Minna, Niger State from November to July 2013.

S/N Parameter Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site variation Monthly variation

F-ANOVA Probabilit F- Probabil
y ANOVA ity
1. Temperature (0C) 30.60±0.51a 30.50±0.55a 30.38±0.50a 0.82 0.47 54.21* 6.39E-07
(28.3-31.90) (28.4-32.3) (28.4-32.0)
2. Ph 6.9 6.1 6.8 1.60 0.25 1.28 0.34
(5.9-7.5) (4.0-7.3) (5.9-7.3)
3. Conductivity (µS/cm) 357.8±135.4a 326.17±119a 345.0±135a 1.23 0.33 243.70* 4.15E-10
(122-987) (102-840) (106-966)
4. Dissolved oxygen 10.50±0.81a 9.17±1.38a 10.17±1.35a 0.55 0.60 2.96 0.06
(mg/l) (8.0-14) (5-15) (6-15)
5. Biochemical oxygen 11.5±5.7a 4.83±1.25a 5.33±1.23a 1.13 0.36 0.95 0.49
demand (mg/l) (3.0-40.0) (1.0-10.0) (1.0-10.0)
6. Nitrate (mg/L) 1.70±0.62a 1.92±0.67a 1.90±0.58a 1.97 0.19 153.56* 4.05E-09
(0.30-3.71) (0.33-3.95) (0.40-3.37)
7. Phosphate (mg/L) 4.15±0.19a 4.21±0.17a 3.97±0.17a 1.75 0.22 7.66* 0.003
(3.72—4.99) (3.80-4.91) (3.37-4.63)
Note: values are mean ± S.E. (minimum and maximum values are in parentheses). Same superscript letters in a row do not show
significant differences (P > 0.05) indicated by Tukey Honest significant difference tests. * indicates significantly calculated F-value.
4.1.1 Temperature:

Temperature in the three sites in the month of November, 2012 was about 28.0 oC. Then,

it moves drastically to about 32.5oC in the month of December, 2012. There was a slight drop in

the temperature in the month of April, 2013 in the three sites between 31.5 oC. Again it was

maintained at a close range of about 29. 0C to about 30cC in May, 2013. Sites B and C dropped to

about 28OC in the month of June, 2013 and remained stable till July, 2013 (Figure 2)

4.1.2 pH:

Site C had the lowest pH, value of about 3.4 in April, 2013. In November, 2012 site B

and C had an estimated pH of about 4.6, while site A had a pH of about 4.3. In June 2013, there

was a drastic increase in the value of pH to about 5.3 in site A and B while site C maintains a

pH of about 3.9 (Figure 3). Generally the pH of all the sites was acidic.

Fig 1. Monthly variation in water temperature in the sampling sites of Numu pond, Minna, Niger

State.
Fig 2. Monthly variation in pH in the sampling sites of Numu pond, Minna, Niger State.

4.1.3 Conductivity:

Conductivity in the three sites was about 1.0µs/cm in the month of November, 2012 and

slightly increases to about 1.5µs/cm from December, 2012 to July, 2013 (Figure 4).

4.1.4 Dissolved Oxygen (DO):

The value of Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in the three sites samples maintains a similar value

of about 4.0mg/l in the month of November, 2012. Then it also maintains a value of between 3.9

to 4.0mg/l in December, 2012 to July, 2013 except in the case of site B which increases slightly

in DO of about 5mg/l (Figure 5).

Fig 3. Monthly variation in conductivity in the sampling sites of Numu pond, Minna, Niger

State.

Fig 4. Monthly variation in dissolved oxygen in the sampling sites of Numu pond, Minna, Niger

State.
4.1.5 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD):

Biochemical Oxygen Demand in the three sites studied in Numu pond fluctuates between

4.0mgl to about 4.5mg/l from the month of November, 2012 to July, 2013. Also site B

experienced a very slight increase in BOD to about 6mg/l in July, 2013 (Figure 6).

4.1.6 Nitrate:

The values of nitrate the three sites samples fluctuates between 4.2 mg/l to about 4.7

mg/l in November, 2012. The three sites experienced a slight decrease to about 3.9 mg/l to 4.2

mg/l in the December, 2103. A downward movement in the value of nitrate in April, 2103 was

experienced which was between 3.2 mg/l to 3.8 mg/l in site C, A and B. Also, a slight increase

was seen in May, 2103 about 4.1mg/l (Figure 7), the maintains increase again in sites A and B to

about 5.0mg/l
Fig 5. Monthly variation in BOD in the sampling sites of Numu pond, Minna, Niger State.

Fig 6. Monthly variation in Nitrate in the sampling sites of Numu pond, Minna, Niger State.
4.1.7 Phosphate:

Site C showed the lowest phosphate value of about 3.3 mg/l in April, 2013. From June to

July, 2013 site A and B increase drastically from about 4.0 mg/l in June to about 5.0 mg/l in July

(Figure 8).

Fig 7. Monthly variation in Phosphate in the sampling sites of Numu pond, Minna, Niger State.

4.2 Composition, Distribution and Abundance of Macroinvertebrate in Numu Pond.

A total of nine (9) Orders of macroinvertebrates were recorded in Numu pond. The Order

Coleoptera was represented by ten (10) species; Order Ephemeroptera had six (6) species,

Diptera was represented by three (3) species. The Order Hemiptera, Odonata, Arhynchobdellida,

Mollusca, Zygoptera and Lepidoptera were represented by 3,3,1,1 and 2 species respectively.

A total of 298 individuals of macroinvertebrates were recorded during the entire study

period. Site 3 had the highest number of macroinvertebrates, with 134 individuals followed by
 site 2, with 89 individuals. The most abundant species was Chironomous sp., of the Order

Diptera with 45 individuals, immediately followed by Cloeon marmoratum of the Order of

Ephemeroptera with 31 individuals. The least abundant species are; Nyethlus sp., Philaccolus

sp., Canthydrus sp., Orectogyrus sp. of the Order Coleoptera, then Cloeon marmoratum, Cloeon

bwasp of the Order Ephemeroptera was represented by one (1) individual each. Nepa cinerea

and Belostoma fluminea of the Order Hemiptera and Cordulia aenea of the Order Odonata were

also represented by 1 individual each.

Table 2: Composition, Distribution and Abundance of Macroinvertebrate in Numu Pond.

ORDER FAMILY TAXA A B C

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Nyethlus sp. 0 0 1

    Coethydrus sp. 1 2 0
    Philaccolus sp. 1 0 0
    Methles sp. 0 0 1
  Notonectidae Canthydrus sp. 0 0 1
    Hydrocanthus sp. 6 0 0
  Pleidae Plea sp. 4 2 1
  Hydrophilidae Hydrophilus sp. 0 0 1
  Gyrinidae Orectogyrus sp. 0 0 1
  Elmidae Elmid sp. 1 9 10
Ephemeroptera Baetidae Cloeon dipterum 7 2 4
    Cloeon annulata 4 0 27
    Cloeon pallida 10 11 4
    Cloeon marmoratum 0 1 0
    Crassabwa sp. 0 1 0
  Leptophlebiidae Atalophlebia sp. 12 4 15
Diptera Chironomidae Chironomus sp. 16 13 16
  Tipulidae Nephrotoma appendiculata 8 5 13
  Cullicidae Culiseta longianeolata 5 6 9
Hemiptera Nepidae Nepa cinerea 1 0 0
  Belostomatidae Belostoma fluminea 0 0 1
  Corixidae Micronecta sp. 0 13 4
Odonata Libellulidae Erythrodiplax berenice 3 0 0
  Calopterygidae Calopteryxa equabilis 1 0 1
  Cordullidae Cordulia aenea 0 0 1
Arhynchobdellida Hirudidae Hirudo medicinalis 1 4 20
Mollusca Lymnaeidae Lymnaea sp. 5 0 0
Zygoptera Lestidae Lestesina equalis 0 2 2
  Coenagrionidae Ceriagrion glabrum 2 0 0
Lepidoptera Crambidae Nymphulla sp. 1 1 0 1
TOTAL     89 75 134

4.3 Taxa richness, Evenness, Diversity indices of macroinvertebrates of the sampling sites

of Numu Pond.

Taxa richness was high in site C (21), followed by site A (19). Site C also had the highest

number of individual (134), while the least number of individuals was found in site B.

Dominance (D) was lowest in site A (0.09481), while the highest was in site B (0.1157).

Simpson dominance showed no significant difference in site B and C, with values of 0.8843 and

0.8874 respectively. The highest Simpson dominance was in site A (0.9052).

Shannon Heifer indices was highest in site A (2.578), immediately followed by site C (2.45). Site

B (0.7419) was more even, immediately followed by site A (0.6929). Menhinick index had its

highest value of 2.014 in site A while the lowest was in site B. Margalef index was highest in site

C (4.083), while the lowest was recorded in site B (3.011).

Table 3: Taxa richess, Evenness, Diversity indices of macroinvertebrates of the sampling sites of
Numu Pond.

A B C

Taxa Richness 19 14 21
No. of Individuals 89 75 134
Dominance_D 0.0948 0.115 0.112
1 7 6
Simpson_domina 0.9052 0.884 0.887
 nce 3 4
Shannon_H 2.578 2.341 2.45
Evenness 0.6929 0.741 0.551
9 7
Menhinick index 2.014 1.617 1.814
Margalef index 4.01 3.011 4.083

Fig 8: No of individuals and taxa richness of sampling locations of macroinvertebrates of Numu

Pond.

160

140

120

100

80

60
Taxa Richness
No. of individuals
40

20

0
A B C
Sampling location

Taxa richness was a highest in site C (20), followed by site A, which had a range of about 10.9.
The lowest was in site B, which had a range of about 10.7. Similarly, site C had the highest
number of individuals (130.5), followed by site A with 90 individuals. The lowest number of
individual was recorded in site B with about 70.5 individual.
 CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Discussion

5.1.1 Physicochemical Parameters

Numu pond showed two characteristics season, a dry and a wet season as earlier reported

by (Imoobe & Oboh, 2003; Edegbene & Arimoro, 2012).

The physicochemical parameters were particularly high in the value of temperature,

conductivity, DO and BOD (Edegbene et al. 2012).

Water temperature (28.3oC – 32.8oC) observed in this study is tropical of most tropical

lotic water bodies in Nigeria as earlier reported by Arimoro et al. (2007). The range of

temperature in the three sites studied showed no marked difference. Though site B recorded the

highest water temperature of 32.8oC. This result is in consonant with the result of Arimoro &

Ikomi (2008); Edegbene & Arimoro (2012). The absence of riparian vegetations may also results

to high temperature of a particular water bodies (Arimoro & Ikomi, 2008; Edegbene et al. 2012).

The pH value in this study was slightly acidic. Site B was more acidic with a pH value of

6.1 when compared to others. The pH value ranged from 6.1 – 6.9 in the three sites. This value is

in contrast with earlier report by Arimoro et al. (2008) in Warri River, Delta State. The acidic

nature of this pond may be as a result of nearby farm settlement that uses some chemicals in their

farming activities.

Conductivity measures the total ionic composition of water and overall chemical

richness. It also quantitatively reflects the status of organic pollution and a measure of dissolved
solids and ions in water (Jonnalagadda & Mhere, 2001). The conductivity value in the three (3)

sites ranged from 102-987µ/cm, which is high. The conductivity value in River Borkena,

Ethiopia, Abebe et al. (2009) recorded a conductivity value of 105 – 1200 µs/cm which was

exceptionally higher than the one recorded in this present study. The conductivity recorded in

this study may be due to the influence of dissolved solid from nearby farms, because the pond is

an open type, which have no riparian vegetations and maybe somehow limited the influx of

erosional process during raining season. The pond is an ephemeral and lentic type of water body

which tends to have a high degree of dissolved solids because flow velocity is minimal.

The dissolved oxygen concentration of the sites sampled showed that it was well aerated

sites. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 5.0 - 15mg/l. Similar to Ikomi et al. (2005); Edokpayi et

al. (2004); Arimoro & Muller (2010); Edegbene & Arimoro (2012) in the Southern part of

Nigeria. The high DO values recorded in this study may be an indication that the primary

production of macrophytes is very high.

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values indicate the extent of organic pollution in

water quality (Jonnalagada & Mhere, 2001). Site 2 and 3 had relatively low mean BOD value

(4.83 mg/l and 5.33 mg/l) which show these sites are still under control when compared to site 1

which had a mean BOD of 11.5 mg/l, showing that the site is fast deteriorating.

Nitrate, associated with algal growth and concentration of inorganic nitrogen greater than

0.3 mg/l can cause algae to grow in abundance (Nathanson, 2000). Nitrate in this study was high

and range from 0.30 – 3.95 mg/l which may be attributed to algae growth in this water body.

This range recorded compares favorably with other Nigerian water bodies; the values recorded

include 0.08 mg/l to 3.39 mg/l in Orogodo River (Arimoro & Muller, 2010). This value of nitrate
obtained in this study were however higher when compared to low titre value reported for similar

natural unimpacted streams within Nigeria water body (Ogbeibu & Oribhabor, 2002; Edema et

al., 2002; Edegbene & Arimoro, 2012).

Phosphate value range recorded in this study was between 3.37 mg/l – 4.99 mg/l.

Contrarily, Arimoro et al. (2008) recorded a titre value of 0.09 – 1.88 mg/l; Edegbene (2012)

recorded a value of 0.03 – 0.58 mg/l, in a river in southern Nigeria. This study area, phosphate

value conforms favorably with the reports of Adakole & Anune (2003) who recorded a titre

value of 0.03 – 5.89 mg/l in River Galma, Northern Nigeria. This report clearly shows that Numu

pond is organically polluted which may be as a result of the incessant and indiscriminate use of

fertilizers and other chemicals in farm settlements around the pond.

5.1.2 Composition, Distribution and Abundance of Macroinvertebrate in Numu Pond.

A total of 298 macroinvertebrates classified into 30 taxa was recorded in Numu pond.

This study is in variance with earlier reports by Ogbeibu and Oribhabor, (2002) who recorded 46

taxa, Egborge et al., (2003), who recorded 62 taxa, 59 taxa reported by Ikomi et al., (2005). The

paucity of macroinvertebrates in this study may be attributed to the Ephemeral and Lentic nature

of the pond. Majority of the macroinvertebrates recorded in this study are widely distributed

everywhere in Nigeria (Edakpoyi et al. 2010, Edema et al., 2002, Adakole & Anunne 2003,

Edegbene & Arimoro, 2012) among others.

Coleoptera was represented by six (6) families, including Dyticidae, Notonectidae,

Pleidae, Hydrophilidae, Cyprinidae and Elmidae. Edegbene (2012) recorded six families of

Coleoptera in Owan River, Edo State. This shows that the Order Coleoptera is widely distributed

in the aquatic system of Nigeria. The presence and abundance of Coleoptera in a water body has
been affirmed to be related to clean water. But in this present study, the six (6) Coleoptera

recovered were sparsely distributed based on the fact that the water is suffering from gross

pollution (Edokpayi et al., 2000; Edema et al., 2002, Ikomi et al., 2005; Edegbene & Arimoro,

2012). Species of Coleoptera are very sensitive to reductions in dissolved oxygen levels.

The Order Ephemeroptera includes species that are tolerant as well as those that are

intolerant to various forms of pollution (Menetrey et al., 2008). In accordance with this, the

family Baetidae was represented by Cloeon dipterum, Cloeon annulata, Cloeon pallida, Cloeon

marmoratum and Crassabwa species, showing that the pond is becoming stressed with organic

pollution. This is in accordance with Arimoro (2009) report in Adofi River, Delta state,

Edegbene & Arimoro (2012) in Owan River, Edo state. Other studies also reported that the

genera Baetis are tolerant to organic pollution (Timm 1997; Menetrey et al., 2008). However, in

this study these species were well represented in all the sites sampled except the paucity of

Cloeon marmoratum and Crassabwa species.

Diptera recorded the highest number of individuals in the macroinvertebrates of Numu

pond. This conforms favorably with similar study by Arimoro & Ikomi (2008) in River Orogodo,

Niger Delta, Edegbene & Arimoro (2012) in Owan River, southern Nigeria, studies elsewhere

(Ravera, 2001; Ruggiero et al., 2003 and Solimini et al., 2010) have revealed Diptera abundance

to considerable level of organic particle from untreated sewage and livestock effluent.

Chironomous specie was highly represented in the three sites. This is in accordance with the

findings of Doisy & Rabeni (2001) who reported that Chironomus abundance is related to the

amount of detritus, which in turn is negatively connected with flow velocity. This study area

does not have flow regime because it is a lentic water body.

 Hemiptera was represented by three families and three species but were poorly

distributed except in site two, where Micronecta species was highly represented by 13

individuals. The paucity of Hemiptera in this study does not conform favorably with the reports

of Ikomi et al (2005) and Edegbene & Arimoro (2012).

The Odonata was sparsely distributed in this study area, but were mostly collected in the

macrophytes and riparian vegetation. Crachini et al. (2004) has earlier reported that the nymphs

of Odonata are usually associated with macrophytes. This research further lead audience to the

contribution of Edegbene & Arimoro (2012), who sampled more of the Odonata in aquatic

submergent and emergent macrophytes in Owan River, Edo State, Nigeria.

The mollusca was scarce in distribution with only one family Lymnaeidae and specie

(Lymnea species). Lymnea species was absent in site two and three but present in site one with

five (5) individuals. This shows that site one was susceptible to the parasite Fasciola

(hookworm), because the Mollusca, Lymnea species have been reported to harbor the parasite

that causes fascioliasis or fasciolosis (Edegbene & Arimoro, 2012).

5.2 Conclusion and recommendations

The macroinvertebrates was sparse in Numu pond from the study result. This was due to

the ephemeral and lentic nature of the pond. From the physicochemical parameters and

macroinvertebrates sampled, it shows that the pond is becoming perturbed, probably due to

various anthropogenic activities carried out along the course of the pond. Lending more credence

to this is the presence of Ephemeroptera species that are tolerant to pollution. Chironomus which

has been reported to dwell in heavily polluted water is also present in abundant form in the pond.
 It is of this opinion that I would like to recommend more detailed research on the

macroinvertebrates of Numu pond, especially their use as biological indicators of water quality.
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