Impacts of Anthropogenic Activities on the Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblages During the Wet Season in Kipsinende River, Kenya

Abstract

Human activities have impacted negatively the benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage of River Kipsinende in Kenya consequently affecting the biodiversity of the area. The study assessed the impact of anthropogenic activities on benthic macroinvertebrates’ assemblage in the river. Quantitative triplicate samples were collected from three different longitudinal sections along the river and four biotopes from six stations. Sample collection was done monthly from (November-December, 2019, January and March, 2020). 72 samples with 20,040 macroinvertebrate individuals belonging to 14 orders, 48 families, and 68 genera were identified. The relative abundance of Dipteran was greater than Ephemeroptera. Ephemeroptera abundance in percentage was also greater than Trichopteran and Bivalvia. The relative abundance of Dipteran and taxon group of % EPT had an inverse relation across study sites. The highest diversity and evenness were observed in station KB and the lowest in KA. Station KC had the highest number of individuals followed by station KA and the least was at station KE. The results of the canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) shown the physico-chemical parameters were affecting the macroinvertebrates communities in the river. This study provides baseline and scientific information for the appropriate water management of freshwater streams in Kenya.