Species composition and distribution of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) in relation to land use systems along the Thika River, Kenya

Mayflies (order Ephemeroptera) are widely distributed and commonly used in biological assessment of water quality because of their sensitivity. Their application as bio-indicators in tropical streams and rivers, however, is hampered by lack of adequate information about their status in many such eco...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:African journal of aquatic science 2021-04, Vol.46 (2), p.196-205
Main Authors: Maina, C, Mwangi, BM, Jumbe, JJ
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abundance
Acanthiops
Afronurus
Agricultural land
Agricultural watersheds
Aquatic insects
Catchment area
Catchments
Community composition
Composition
Dissolved oxygen
Distribution
Ephemeroptera
Forest watersheds
Geographical distribution
Indicator species
Land use
Larvae
Macroinvertebrates
Quality assessment
Ridges
Rivers
Sampling
Species composition
Streams
Total dissolved solids
Tropical climate
Urban agriculture
Urban areas
Urban catchments
Water quality
Water quality assessments
Zoobenthos
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Summary:Mayflies (order Ephemeroptera) are widely distributed and commonly used in biological assessment of water quality because of their sensitivity. Their application as bio-indicators in tropical streams and rivers, however, is hampered by lack of adequate information about their status in many such ecosystems. The current study investigated their species composition, distribution and abundance in relation to land use and water quality characteristics of the Thika River, Kenya. The Thika River emanates from the Aberdare Ridges and flows through forest, agricultural and urban catchments. Sampling was carried out at three sites representing forest, agricultural and urban land use systems. Dissolved oxygen, conductivity, total dissolved solids, temperature and transparency were measured in situ at each sampling station. Macroinvertebrates were sampled using a modified Hess sampler and the Ephemeropterans were later identified and sorted in the laboratory. Thirteen Ephemeroptera genera belonging to six families were obtained. Mean larvae abundance was 1 238 ind. m −2 . Acanthiops (70.4%) and Afronurus (13.3%) dominated the community at all sites. The current study revealed that decreasing Ephemeroptera taxa abundance along the river channel indicates decreasing water quality.
ISSN:1608-5914
1727-9364
DOI:10.2989/16085914.2020.1842169