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Studies on Benthic Fauna as Bio Indicators of Pollution in River Benue at Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Author Affiliations

  • 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makuedi Benue state NIGERIA

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 3, Issue (7), Pages 33-38, July,22 (2014)

Abstract

Macro benthic fauna of River Benue at Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria was studied for two years from July 2011- June 2013 at five sampling stations along the river course. Sediments samples were collected monthly using Van Veen Grab and analyzed for the presence of macro benthic fauna at the five different sample stations. The result of the sediments showed that a total of 4,451 macro benthic fauna individuals comprising of 21 taxa were obtained. More individuals were recorded during the dry seasons as compared to the rainy seasons. Station II (570, Individuals) and Station III (649 Individuals) recorded low population as compared to the other locations: Station I (1,177 Individuals), Station V (1,043 Individuals ) and Station IV (1,012 Individuals). Pollution sensitive benthic fauna specie like Stonefly and Mayfly were not observed at stations II and III throughout the period. This is indication that these stations are polluted with organic waste through the human impact on the river at these stations. There was generally low biodiversity of benthic fauna community which indicate the perturbed nature of the study area. Diversity indices result showed a variation in the community structure of River Benue. It is recommended that the discharged of effluents and other waste into the River Benue should be controlled and enforced.

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