Effect of Physicochemical Parameters on Abundance and Diversity of Insects in Jabi Lake, Abuja, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1010-5461Keywords:
Abundance, Diversity, Insects, Jabi Lake, Physicochemical parameters, SeasonsAbstract
Insects represent the most diverse and adaptable group of animals, comprising over 80% of all identified species and occurring in nearly all habitats except marine environments. This study assessed the abundance, diversity, and ecological distribution of aquatic insects in Jabi Lake, Abuja, from May to October 2025, with emphasis on their relationship to seasonal changes in water quality. Five ecological stations were established, and samples were collected triweekly using standard sweep netting techniques. Physicochemical parameters—temperature, pH, turbidity, depth, dissolved oxygen (DO), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)—were measured concurrently.
Mean water temperature declined from 28.46 ± 0.03 °C in May to 25.99 ± 0.00 °C in August (p < 0.05), while pH fluctuated between 5.90 and 6.94. Depth increased from 1.74 m to 2.46 m, and turbidity rose from 8.45 to 9.49 NTU. Dissolved oxygen ranged between 5.18 and 6.04 mg/L, showing an inverse relationship with BOD (2.02–2.90 mg/L).
Seven insect taxa were recorded: Chironomus sp., Notonecta glauca, Gerris sp., Dytiscus sp., Orthetrum sp., Brachythemis sp., and Pseudocloeon sp., with peak species richness in July under moderate temperature and elevated DO. The Shannon–Weiner diversity index peaked at 1.946 during July–September, coinciding with optimal conditions for Odonata and Ephemeroptera emergence. RLQ ordination explained 78.4% of trait–environment covariance, distinguishing oxygen-demanding taxa in deeper, well-oxygenated waters (Axis 1 = 58.2%) from tolerant species in nutrient-enriched zones (Axis 2 = 20.2%).
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rachael Toyosi Idowu, Tawakalitu Biola Alabi, Bala Adamu Azare
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