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<p>Urban rivers worldwide face numerous environmental challenges, including pollution and habitat degradation, which threaten their ecological integrity. Macroinvertebrates, sensitive indicators of environmental change, offer valuable insights into the ecological health of these watercourses. Motivated by the need to conserve and protect vulnerable rivers in Africa, this study was undertaken in Landzun River, an urban river system flowing through a densely populated area in Nigeria. The study investigated the ecological health of the Landzun River using macroinvertebrate community structure as indicators. Physicochemical parameters revealed fair pollution levels, with all parameters within maximum permissible limits. Macroinvertebrate analysis showed coleopterans and dipterans dominating the community, with ephemeroptera and trichoptera present in low numbers. Shannon diversity and Margalef richness indices varied across sampling stations, with evenness significantly lower at station 1. Seasonal variations showed higher macroinvertebrate abundance during the dry season. The presence of pollution-intolerant species (Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera) in low abundance, alongside moderately intolerant species (Odonata) and pollution-associated species (Coleopterans and Dipterans), suggests significant water quality impairment. A Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was conducted to investigate the relationships between environmental variables and species abundance data. The analysis revealed a strong relationship between environmental variables and species composition, with the first constrained axis explaining 77.38% of the variation. The CCA biplot showed that certain species, such as <i>Lumbricoides</i> sp. and <i>Hirudina</i> sp., were associated with high depth, flow velocity, and temperature, while others, like <i>Baetis</i> sp. and <i>Corixa</i> sp., were linked to high pH, dissolved oxygen, and nitrate levels. This study highlights ecological stress in the Landzun River and demonstrates the effectiveness of macroinvertebrate based indices as practical tools for guiding conservation and managing vulnerable urban river systems. The results provide a clear scientific basis for targeted interventions and improved urban water resource management.</p>

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Assessing River Ecosystem Resilience in a Vulnerable River: Macroinvertebrate Community Dynamics as Drivers of Conservation and Water Resource Management

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月18日

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  • Francis O. Arimoro,
  • Tetengi K. Ndana,
  • Eunice O. Ikayaja,
  • Stella A. Mgbemena,
  • Unique N. Keke,
  • Augustine O. Edegbene

摘要

Urban rivers worldwide face numerous environmental challenges, including pollution and habitat degradation, which threaten their ecological integrity. Macroinvertebrates, sensitive indicators of environmental change, offer valuable insights into the ecological health of these watercourses. Motivated by the need to conserve and protect vulnerable rivers in Africa, this study was undertaken in Landzun River, an urban river system flowing through a densely populated area in Nigeria. The study investigated the ecological health of the Landzun River using macroinvertebrate community structure as indicators. Physicochemical parameters revealed fair pollution levels, with all parameters within maximum permissible limits. Macroinvertebrate analysis showed coleopterans and dipterans dominating the community, with ephemeroptera and trichoptera present in low numbers. Shannon diversity and Margalef richness indices varied across sampling stations, with evenness significantly lower at station 1. Seasonal variations showed higher macroinvertebrate abundance during the dry season. The presence of pollution-intolerant species (Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera) in low abundance, alongside moderately intolerant species (Odonata) and pollution-associated species (Coleopterans and Dipterans), suggests significant water quality impairment. A Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was conducted to investigate the relationships between environmental variables and species abundance data. The analysis revealed a strong relationship between environmental variables and species composition, with the first constrained axis explaining 77.38% of the variation. The CCA biplot showed that certain species, such as Lumbricoides sp. and Hirudina sp., were associated with high depth, flow velocity, and temperature, while others, like Baetis sp. and Corixa sp., were linked to high pH, dissolved oxygen, and nitrate levels. This study highlights ecological stress in the Landzun River and demonstrates the effectiveness of macroinvertebrate based indices as practical tools for guiding conservation and managing vulnerable urban river systems. The results provide a clear scientific basis for targeted interventions and improved urban water resource management.