Assessing the Atan Ikpe River quality using water quality indexes and arthropods assemblage as indicators.

Abstract

This study major objective was on assessing  the Atan Ikpe River quality using water quality indexes and arthropods assembledge as indicators. Water Quality is an important factor to judge aquatic environment changes and could be determined using physico-chemcial and biological parameters. Four (4) sample sites were strategically marked out along the stretch of the River based on ecological features at 50 m apart. Water physical parameters; pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, total dissolved solid, and surface temperature were measured in-situ. The aquatic arthropods were collected using a sweep net made of net of mesh size of 0.05 - 01 m aperture and a metal handle.  The results for physio-chemical parameters revealed surface temperature in the range of 28.00 - 32.00 °C with the highest value of 32.83±2.10^oC recorded for site 2, and the lowest value, 26.01±1.67^oC for site 4,  pH was in the range value of 8.00 - 10.00, and the DO, 0.1 - 1.00 mg/L.  The values of the physical measured were significantly different between the sampling sites at p = 0.05. A total of 359 individuals of aquatic arthropods were collected and grouped into four (4) orders and twelve (12) families. And Twenty (20) aquatic arthropod species. Odonata were the most abundant family with a relative abundance of 82.45%, seconded by Hemipterans 11.98%, Dipterans 4.18%, and Araneae (1.39%). The aquatic arthropod species which were used in the bio-indicator index analysis of the River water quality indicated that the water was slightly polluted at sites 3 and 4, and site 1 water adjudged to be clean. Water is a necessary element for the substance of life on earth, and maintaining its quality is very important. A decrease in the quality of freshwater is of a serious concern and as such given the results obtained from the physical parameters measured and bio-indicators sampled, it is pertinent that the quality of the water of the Atan Ikpe River be improved and its biodiversity be conserved.