Water Quality Parameters and Macroinvertebrates Index of Biotic Integrity of the Jimma Wetlands, Southwestern Ethiopia

Authors

  • Hayal Desta Yimer Addis Ababa University
  • Seyoum Mengistou Addis Ababa University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jowe.v3i0.2265

Keywords:

Catchments land use, Water quality, Macroinvertebrate, Index of Biotic Integrity, Wetland

Abstract

The wetlands located at the periphery of Jimma town, southwestern Ethiopia, have critical roles in providing a range of ecological and socio-economic benefits, yet they are subject to increasing anthropogenic disturbances, notably through agriculture, settlement, intensive grazing and brick-making. This study assessed the ecological status of these wetlands, and examined the scale of the human disturbances that local communities might impose on them. Macroinvertebrate communities, water quality parameters, and human disturbance scores were assessed. Except for electrical conductivity and water temperature, no significant difference (P < 0.05) was found in physico-chemical parameters between the sampled sites. Nitrate was the only parameter that correlated with significant influence on species richness of the sampled macroinvertebrates. A total of 10 metrics were used to generate the index of biotic integrity (IBI). This IBI was then tested based on macroinvertebrate data collected. Ways of assessing and evaluating the existing ecological status of the wetlands are discussed in the context of physico-chemical parameters, IBI based on macroinvertebrates and human disturbance scales.

Key Words: Catchments land use; Water quality; Macroinvertebrate; Index of Biotic Integrity; Wetland

DOI: 10.3126/jowe.v3i0.2265

Journal of Wetlands Ecology, (2009) Vol. 3, pp 77-93

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.
Abstract
1467
PDF
2101

Author Biographies

Hayal Desta Yimer, Addis Ababa University

Environmental Planning Program

Faculty of Technology

Addis Ababa University

Seyoum Mengistou, Addis Ababa University

Assoicate Professor

Coordinator, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Stream (FASS)

Department of Biology

Downloads

Published

2010-02-11

How to Cite

Yimer, H. D., & Mengistou, S. (2010). Water Quality Parameters and Macroinvertebrates Index of Biotic Integrity of the Jimma Wetlands, Southwestern Ethiopia. Journal of Wetlands Ecology, 3, 79–99. https://doi.org/10.3126/jowe.v3i0.2265

Issue

Vol. 3 (2009)

Section

Research Articles

License

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

The Journal of Wetlands Ecology grants each author the right to republish the article in any book for which he or she is the author or editor, without paying royalties to the Journal of Wetlands Ecology, subject to the express conditions that (a) the author notify the Journal of Wetlands Ecology in advance in writing of this republication and (b) a credit line attributes the original publication to the Journal of Wetlands Ecology.

The author hereby transfers, assigns, or conveys all copyright ownership to the Journal of Wetlands Ecology. By this transfer, the article becomes the property of the Journal of Wetlands Ecology and may not be published elsewhere without written permission from the Journal of Wetlands Ecology. This transfer of copyright also implies transfer of rights for printed, electronic, microfilm, and facsimile publication. No royalty or other monetary compensation will be received for transferring the copyright of the article to the Journal of Wetlands Ecology.