Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in Relation to Selected Environmental Parameters along Nairobi River, Kenya
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Date
2023
Authors
Ndichu, Naomi Nyambura
Tela, Samuel Abuyeka
Fred, Okeyo
Makokha, Mary
Kweyu, Raphael
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
JGEESI
Abstract
Aquatic diversity in riverine ecosystems is threatened by the intensification of unsustainable human
actions in the river catchment areas. Nairobi River is one of the global wetlands that is experiencing
high levels of degradation and this has a detrimental effect on the community's livelihood. The study
aimed to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of aquatic macro invertebrates in relation to
some environmental parameters in the Nairobi River watershed in Kenya. The study objectives
were: to find out macroinvertebrates' diversity in the Nairobi River; to investigate selected water
quality parameters in rainy and dry periods along the river; and to analyze the spatial distribution of macroinvertebrates in relation to selected water quality parameters. During the dry days,
temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity nitrates, and phosphates had
significant differences (P ˂0.05 and F˃1). In the same period, macroinvertebrates were higher in
the middle course 1 section of the river (mean 657.00) and in the middle course 2 section (mean
588.00) to upper and lower sections. However, there was no significant difference (P > .05) in the
sites. Similarly, during the wet days, macroinvertebrates were noted to be higher in the middle
course 2 areas (mean 168) and middle course 1 (mean 155). However, the number of
macroinvertebrates was not significantly different (P > .05). Animals such as midge larvae and
pupa, aquatic earthworms and mosquito larvae were highly tolerant to pollution due to adaptations
to survival while others such as water penny, gilled snails, fingernail clam were sensitive to pollution
thus they survived in very few sections of the river and in small numbers. The study recommends
the need to conserve the river watershed as well as restore degraded river sections to guarantee
the continued future provision of ecosystem services to the adjacent urban river communities and
improve the river's biological integrity.
Description
Article
Keywords
Degradation, macroinvertebrates, water quality and wetland
Citation
Ndichu, N. N., Tela, S. A., Fred, O., Makokha, M., & Kweyu, R. (2023). Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in Relation to Selected Environmental Parameters along Nairobi River, Kenya. Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International, 27(10), 66-80.