Impact Of Physico-Chemical Parameters On The Biodiversity And Distribution Of Macro-Invertebrates At Selected Areas Along The Shore Calabar River, Nigeria

Abstract

Spatio-temporal studies were conducted on the impact of physico-chemical parameters on the biodiversity and distribution of macro-invertebrates at selected areas along the shores of Calabar River, Nigeria. Results revealed the distribution of 3601 macro-invertebrates fauna, which consisted of 13 species, belonging to 3 phyla which were represented by Arthropoda, Mollusca and Annelida. Tympanotonus fuscatus was the most abundant macro-invertebrate species, having a numerical abundance of 1564 (43.43%) while the least abundant species was Potadoma moerchii, which had a total abundance of 3 (0.08%). Macro-invertebrates were more abundant at Adiabo beach. Phylum Mollusca was the most abundant, having a numerical abundance of 2810 (78.03%), while phylum Annelida was least represented, having a numerical abundance of 19 (0.52%). Mean temperature, salinity, pH, DO, BOD and conductivity were 27.064 ± 1.222^oC, 0.032 ± 0.014^oC, 6.315 ± 0.120, 4.583 ± 0.982 mg/L, 3.071 ± 1.831 mg/L and 32.055 ± 11.753 µs/cm, respectively. Mean water temperature, salinity, pH, DO, and conductivity varied insignificantly between the three sampling stations (p>0.05), while the BOD varied significantly across the sampling stations (p<0.05). Calabar River is unpolluted and healthy. The abundance of macro-invertebrates was influenced by water quality parameters, as shown by their strength of the various relationships. Although the study revealed that Calabar River is not polluted, it is mandatory that the Government enforces policies and laws regarding the anthropogenic discharges of energies and waste into the river system, in order to sustain its current healthy status. Government should set-up a monitoring team to continually monitor the ecological status of the River so as to ensure sustenance of fishery resources within the River system.