Biological Water Quality Assessment of Shallow Urban Streams Based on Abundance and Diversity of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities: The Case of Nima Creek in Ghana

Abstract

The phenomenon of water pollution constitutes a massive threat to the very existence of freshwater bodies and can potentially eliminate vital benefits otherwise associated with these resources. In several countries such as Ghana, initial steps to salvage existing freshwater bodies have given rise to the need for effective water quality assessment and biological monitoring. This study was conducted with the aim of assessing the abundance, composition, and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrate fauna in the Nima Creek, situated in Accra, Ghana. On the basis of findings in relation to identified macroinvertebrate types, we further determine the quality of water in the creek. Samples were collected at 8 different riffles with a Surber sampler. The benthic macroinvertebrates sampled consisted of 6 taxa and 5891 individuals belonging to Nematoda, Oligochaeta, Gastropoda, and Insecta classes. Chironomini were the predominant group with 99.04% on the average, followed by Psychoda sp (0.44%), Rhabitidae (0.26%), and Tubifex (0.26%) at the upstream stretch of the creek. The downstream was dominated by Chironomini forming 97.30% on the average, followed by Tubifex (1.52%), Rhabitidae (1.08%), and Psychoda sp (0.05%). The estimated diversity of the sampling area for both upstream and downstream was assessed by using the Simpson Diversity Index and was found to be 0.53, indicative of a fairly diversified community structure. Family Biotic Index (FBI) was used to determine the water quality of the creek and found to be 9.92, which indicates severely polluted water. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant differences between upstream and downstream abundances at both 95% and 99% confidence levels. However, Melanoides tuberculata was found only at the downstream reach due to low current, the formation of rocky substratum, and the absence of riparian vegetation making it a suitable habitat.

Relationship between Macroinvertebrates and Physico-Chemical Parameters to Access Water Quality of the Affon River in Bénin

“…These observations corroborate those made byNuamah et al (2018) [26] at Nima stream in Ghana. The observed water degradation can be attributed to discharges into the stream of agricultural and domestic effluents that contain nutrients[26] [27].…”

“…These high values of the Hilsenhoff index indicate a degraded environment and are due to the preponderance of pollution-sensitive families such as Chironomidae[25]. These observations corroborate those made byNuamah et al (2018) [26] at Nima stream in Ghana. The observed water degradation can be attributed to discharges into the stream of agricultural and domestic effluents that contain nutrients[26] [27].…”

“…But Chironomidae (Diptera) are frequently (FO = 100%), and abundantly represented at all stations. Thus, the diversity of the Diptera order observed and especially of the Chironomidae family reveals an accumulation of nutrients in the ecosystem; consequences of intense human activities[26] [32].…”

Abundance and Distribution of Macroinvertebrates of the Affon River in Bénin

“…The study has identified in the Affonriver, 9755 macroinvertebrates belonging to 49 families. The observed abundance is very low compared to that reported by Agblonon Houelome et al (2017) [8] on the Alibori River (39,718). On the other hand, it is higher than that of the upper Ouémé River, where there were 3657 individuals of macroinvertebrate [10].…”

Assessment of Water Demand in Al-Anbar Province- Iraq

“…There was also a study for biological water quality assessment of shallow urban streams based on abundance and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrate communities the case of Nima Creek in Ghana. [14]. It is also necessary to know the environmental state and water quality by phytoplankton [15].…”