| dc.description.abstract | The diversity and distribution of macroinvertebrates related to some physico-chemical and hydro-morphological parameters were studied in the Vupyobicenge stream, an affluent of Kinawataka wetland in Kampala, Uganda. The macroinvertebrates were collected at five sampling sites categorized into upstream, midstream and downstream according to multi-habitat approach and nature of near-catchment activities. Upstream sampling sites acted as reference point to midstream and downstream with diverse effects of near-catchment human activities. Data on macroinvertebrates and physico-chemical parameters were sampled and analyzed following classic methods, three times in March and April, 2023. During this study, a total of 321 specimens of macroinvertebrates belonging to nine orders and seventeen families were sampled. The orders included Diptera, Hirudinea, Lumbriculida, Odonata, Coleoptera, Gastropoda Hemiptera, Trichoptera and Pulmonata. Diptera were the most predominant, with 58.6% of the sampled specimens of macroinvertebrates, followed by Odonata with 15.9 % and Gastropoda being the least with 1.3%. Among all 17 families, Chironomidae was the most dominant with 48% relative abundance while other 16 families represent only 52% of relative abundance. The spatial variation of taxonomical richness shows a decrease of the diversity from upstream to downstream, indicated by a general decrease of Shannon-Wiener and abundance indices downstream. Regression analysis revealed that DO and turbidity were positive predictors of taxa richness (0.05 significant level). One-way ANOVA at an Alpha level of 0.05 revealed a statistical difference in all sampled physico-chemical and hydro-morphological parameters of the stream. The dominance of Chironomidae family along the stream especially downstream indicates the adverse effects on physico-chemical water parameters of the stream due to near-catchment human activities. The study highlights the need for long-term monitoring in Ntinda industrial area, Kampala where Vupyobicenge stream is to detect and reduce the threats it faces regarding biodiversity loss from human activities. | en_US |
