2026-05-10T09:56:25Z https://www.peertechzpublications.org/oai-pmh

oai:www.peertechzpublications.org:10.17352/gje.000112 2025-09-30 PTZ.GJE:VOL10

Aquatic Insects as Biomonitoring Tools in Assessing Water Quality in a Tropical Freshwater Ecosystem Michael Olufemi Ashamo Babasola Williams Adu Joseph Adewumi Adeyemi Richard Olajide OwaseyeKemi Josephine Fehintola<p>Background: Freshwater ecosystems, particularly in tropical regions, are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities that compromise water quality. Aquatic insects are widely used as tools for monitoring water quality in freshwater ecosystems. The ecological status of the Owena River, a tropical freshwater system in southwestern Nigeria, was assessed using aquatic insect communities, biotic indices, and physicochemical parameters.&nbsp;</p><p>Methods: Sampling was conducted across six stations along the river. Physicochemical parameters (including pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, water depth, and flow rate) were measured in situ. Aquatic insects were collected using standardized sweep nets and identified to the family level. The Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP), Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT), Family Biotic Index (FBI), and Pollution Tolerance Index (PTI) were used to evaluate ecological health.&nbsp;</p><p>Results: A total of 2,920 aquatic insects belonging to six orders and 17 families were recorded. Odonata (32%) and Hemiptera (29%) dominated the assemblage. BMWP and ASPT values indicated moderate water quality, with slightly better conditions at the downstream stations. FBI values suggested fair water quality with some degree of organic pollution. The PTI results indicated that most insect families collected were moderately sensitive to pollution (73%).&nbsp;</p><p>Conclusion: The study demonstrates that aquatic insects and associated biotic indices are reliable, cost-effective tools for monitoring the ecological health of tropical freshwater ecosystems. These findings support their continued use in environmental assessment and water resource management strategies in developing regions.</p> Global Journal of Ecology - Peertechz Publications 2025-09-30 Research Article https://doi.org/10.17352/gje.000112 en Copyright © Michael Olufemi Ashamo et al.