ABSTRACT
This study focuses on the biodiversity of macroinvertebrates
of the Affon River. To reach this goal, eight stations were sampled and
physical parameters such as temperature, pH, conductivity, transparency, depth,
total dissolved solids (TDS) and dissolved oxygen were measured. Chemical parameters
such as ammonium nitrite and phosphate were measured in the laboratory. We
identified 9755 macroinvertebrates belonging to 4 classes, 14 orders, and 49
families. Chironomidae were the most abundant family whereas other sensitive
insect’s orders such as Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, and Plecoptera were rarely
found, suggesting a poor water quality of the Affon River. The principal
components analysis yielded three groups of stations: the first group (Tenéka 2
and 3) characterized by high values of ammonium and phosphate and low values of
conductivity and TDS; the second group (Tanéka 1 and Kolokondé 1) with low
values of pH, transparency, ammonium and phosphate; and the third group of
stations (Kolokondé 2, Kpébouko1, Kpébouko 2, and Affon) marked by high values
of conductivity, TDS, transparency, depth and temperature. This study is a crucial step for any management and monitoring of the Affon
River.
Share and Cite:
Samon, O. , Gouissi, F. , Adje, D. , Abahi, K. , Tchaou, C. , Antoine Okoya, J. , Orou Piami, Z. , Gnohossou, M. , Omoniyi, G. and Piscart, C. (2019) Abundance and Distribution of Macroinvertebrates of the Affon River in Bénin.
Open Journal of Marine Science,
9, 173-188. doi:
10.4236/ojms.2019.94013.