Structure of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in Azagny Channel (Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

The Azagny Channel is an estuarine ecosystem connecting Ebrié Lagoon to Bandama River estuary and it is adjacent to Azagny National Park. The aim of this study was to provide the first data on diversity and structure of macroinvertebrates in this estuarine area. Physicochemical parameters were measured monthly in three sampling stations S1, S2 and S3, and the benthic Macroinvertebrates was collected using a Van Veen grab. A total of 28 taxa distributed among 20 families and 11 orders belonging to Annelida, Mollusca, Crustacean and Insecta were collected. The taxonomic richness and diversity were higher in S1 compared to S2 and S3, probably due to its proximity to Bandama estuary. The relative abundance revealed that mollusks represented mainly by Pachymelania aurita (16.04%), P. fusca (15.83%), Anodonta anatina (13.02%) dominated the species assemblage; followed by crustaceans with Macrobrachium vollenhovenii (31.87%) and Potamon sp. (5.01%). Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that the main factors that influenced macroinvertebrates distribution in Azagny Channel were conductivity, salinity and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). There is a strong correlation between these three abiotic factors and their influence on species assemblage would be linked to proximity of study area to Atlantic Ocean. These findings provide valuable information that can be used to establish biotic indices to monitor the water quality of Azagny Channel.

Effects of urine and hygienized feces on cocoa production in the village of Blanfla (Bouafle, Côte d'Ivoire)

“…The continuous collection of urine and feces by households in cans and bidurs over two years (July 2014 to July 2016) constituted the production of urine and feces. The sanitary component of the Ecosan approach enables the hygienization of urine and feces, which must be cleared of all pathogenic germs before being spread on cocoa fields to protect farmers' health (Gnagne et al, 2006;World Health Organization, 2012;Yapi et al, 2018b). Hygienization of the urine involved simple storage of the urine cans in the shade for 45 days, while the feces were composted for 6 months in a pit (Centre Régional pour l'Eau Potable et l 'Assainissement, 2006).…”

“…In Africa, since 2002, the Water and Sanitation Agency for Africa (WSA) and numerous scientific works by several authors have promoted this approach (Centre Régional pour l'Eau Potable et l 'Assainissement, 2006;Berendes et al, 2015;Mackie et al, 2016). In the specific case of Côte d'Ivoire, studies conducted by a few authors open up more good prospects for ecological sanitation research (Gnagne et al, 2006;Koné et al, 2014;Yapi et al, 2021). Moreover, the international cocoa trade is valued at more than $5 billion, with almost 72% of the world's cocoa supply coming from Africa Caribbean Pacific (ACP) countries, mainly from West Africa (Agritrade, 2012).…”