Ecological Indicators 7 (2007) 541552 This article is also available online at: www.elsevier.

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Water quality changes in relation to Diptera community patterns and diversity measured at an organic efuent impacted stream in the Niger Delta, Nigeria
Francis O. Arimoro a,*, Robert B. Ikomi a, Chukwujindu M.A. Iwegbue b
a b

Department of Zoology, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1 Abraka, Nigeria Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1 Abraka, Nigeria

Received 20 February 2006; received in revised form 18 June 2006; accepted 21 June 2006

Abstract Impact of abattoir efuents (characterized by intestinal and stomach contents of slaughtered animals, ashes from roasted animals and blood stains) on water quality, distribution and abundance of Diptera were investigated in an urban stream, River Orogodo, Southern Nigeria, from July 2003 to June 2004. Water quality changes indicated signicant differences ( p < 0.05) in conductivity, dissolved oxygen, BOD5, COD, total hardness, nitrate-nitrogen and phosphate-phosphorus between the three stations sampled. Higher values of these parameters were observed at the impacted station. The abundance and community structure of Diptera patterns, especially Chironomidae, Culicidae and Syrphidae families (all indicative of poor water quality) showed strong evidence of impact from the abattoir efuents. Comparisons of abundance values demonstrated high signicance ( p < 0.05) between the impacted station and the upstream (station 1) and downstream station (station 3). Shannon index and BergerParker dominance were greater at the impacted station (station 2). Analysis of faunal similarities showed that upstream station 1(unpolluted site) was signicantly different from stations 2 and 3. The distinct taxa found in station 2 (the impacted station) suggest that the organic input from the abattoir favoured their abundance as most of them were opportunistic species. # 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Diptera; Impact; Water quality; Orogodo stream; Nigeria

1. Introduction The use of aquatic Diptera to assess water quality is commonly a part of water assessment programmes. In pollution-oriented studies, identication of taxa which are tolerant or intolerant of pollution is important in
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +234 8035615424. E-mail address: fransarimoro@yahoo.com (F.O. Arimoro).

designating water quality (Nelson, 1994). Organic pollution by domestic sewage and abattoir efuent are prominent factors threatening the quality of Nigerian streams. Small streams in developing areas are not only strongly affected by these regular organic inputs but also by episodic inputs from farmland, non-point sources, which are more difcult to control (Victor and Ogbeibu, 1985; Brown, 1996). However, the rate of dilution in these streams is great, as rainfall is high

1470-160X/$ see front matter # 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.ecolind.2006.06.002

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during most part of the year (Matagi, 1996; Edokpayi et al., 2000; Zabbey and Hart, 2006) and streams tend to recover quickly from such impacts. The Orogodo River ows through the town of Agbor with a population of 100,000 people in southern Nigeria and is the main source of portable water for the riparian communities. It is also the main drainage system of the town accounting for most of the total runoff (Ikomi and Owabor, 1997). The river at the middle reaches is subjected to organic pollution arising from efuent from an abattoir. The efuent of this abattoir comprises of stomach and intestinal contents of slaughtered animals as well as ashes of burnt animal parts and associated bloodstains which are discharged regularly into the river without treatment. There have been several recent studies of Diptera composition and structure in tropical freshwater bodies (Victor and Dickson, 1985; Ogbeibu and Egborge, 1995; Ogbeibu, 2001; Ndarunga et al., 2004). However, there have been few studies on the effects of abattoir efuents and livestock impacts on the abundance and distribution of Diptera (Solimini et al., 2000; Mathooko, 2001). Therefore, this research was undertaken to investigate water quality and to identify the groups of diptera that are present in the organically polluted section of the river, in addition to comparing the ecological characteristics upstream and downstream of the abattoir efuent impacted area. Here we aim to identify signicant changes in the composition, density and distribution of Diptera which are attributed to this efuent.

2. Materials and methods 2.1. Description of the study area The Orogodo River is a short stream (about 50 km length) located in the Delta State Nigeria. It lies between latitude 5800 68200 N and longitude 68100 68260 E (Fig. 1). The stream is fed principally by ground seepage from an aquifer in the thick rainforest zone of Mbiri and also by precipitation, municipal efuent and surface run off from the riparian communities. It ows through the main town of Agbor, Owa-Oe, Ekuma-Abavo, Oyoko in Delta State and ends in a swamp between Obazagbon-Nugu and the oil rich town of Oben in Edo State, southern

Nigeria. Samples of Diptera were collected monthly from July 2003 to June 2004 at three sampling stations: the point of discharge of abattoir efuents (station 2), upstream (station 1) and downstream (station 3) of the impacted station. Station 1 is located about 15 km upstream from the source. The marginal vegetation consists of few trees, mainly oil palm Elaeis guineensis and Cocos nucifera L., emergent vegetation, namely Pycreus lanceolatus Poi and submerged vegetation, Ceratophyllum submersum L. The streambed consists predominantly of clay and silt. Human activities here include subsistence shing and bathing. Mean water depth is 0.7 m and width 3.5 m. Station 2 is the impacted station located behind the Agbor town abattoir, where efuents are emptied into the stream. The abattoir efuent is composed of animal faeces from slaughtered animals, blood and ashes from burning and roasting of animals, which constitute an organic pollutant. Some of the water at this station is eutrophicated with heavy algal growth. The dominant macrophytes are Nymphae lotus, Azolla sp., Utricularia sp. and Salvinia sp. Floating duckweed (Lemna minor) is also observed close to the river banks. Mean water depth is 0.5 m and width 5.8 m. Station 3 is located downstream of the impacted area, 5 km from the Abattoir close to Abavo by Owae town. The substratum is predominantly clay and silt. It is anked by Indian bamboo trees (Bambusa sp.) and palm trees (E. guineensis). Abundant emergent macrophytes, Pandanus sp. and Mitragyna ciliata. Human activities here include bathing, shing, sacrices by superstitious believers, etc. The average water depth is 1.0 m and width 3.7 m. 2.2. Water quality analysis Sampling for water quality parameters and Diptera were carried out in the three study stations at monthly intervals between July 2003 and June 2004, covering dry and rainy seasons. Air and water temperatures were recorded with a thermometer; conductivity, pH, total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen (DO) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total hardness were determined according to APHA (1985) methods. Monthly rainfall data were obtained from the meteorological station in Agbor. Other parameters measured included water velocity determined using

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Fig. 1. Map of River Orogodo showing the study stations.

the Ping Pong otation technique; nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) and phosphate-phosphorus (PO4-P) were measured spectrophotometrically after reduction with appropriate solutions (APHA, 1985). Chemical oxygen demand (COD) was determined after oxidation of organic matter in strong tetraoxosulphate VI acid medium by K2Cr2O7 at 148 8C, with back titration. 2.3. Sampling for Diptera Samples of Diptera larvae were collected with Surber net (30 cm 30 cm, mesh size 250 mm). Care

was taken to include all possible microhabitats over representative sections of the stream. At each station, 10 sampling units were taken and pooled for analysis. Samples were xed with 4% formalin in the eld and preserved with 70% ethanol in the laboratory. Taxonomic identications of most Diptera were made to the generic level. Some members of the subfamily chronominae were identied to the species level using the larval head capsules, antennae and labial plates (Pennak, 1978; Cranston, 2000). Diptera abundance was obtained by counting all individuals in a taxon and expressing the results as number m2.

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All statistical methods used in analyzing the water quality parameters and diptera community were adapted from Zar (1984) and Magurran (1988), including taxa richness, diversity and evenness indices, using the Computer Basic Programme SP DIVERS (Ludwig and Reynolds, 1988). Jaccards similarity (Ravera, 2001) was used to compare the sampling locations and to determine which ones were similar in taxa composition.  C sJ ABC 

where C is the number of species found at both stations being compared; A is the number of species found at station 1; B is the number of species found at station 2. BergerParker dominance index adopted from (Ravera, 2001), dBP = Nmax/N, where Nmax is the number of individuals in the most abundant taxon; N is the total number of individuals.

3. Results 3.1. Physical and chemical characteristics of the water body Table 1 summarizes the mean values of the various parameters monitored at the three selected stations over a 12 month time span (July 2003June 2004) along the River.

Air and water temperatures were in the range of 2431 8C in the three stations sampled and were not signicantly different ( p > 0.05) (Fig. 2A and B). Mean water depth was also similar in all the stations ( p > 0.05). Except that orthogonal comparison using Duncans multiple range test revealed that station 3 (down stream) of the impacted site showed considerable higher depth 1.20 0.24 m as compared with the other stations. Generally, water depth (Fig. 2C) was considerably higher in the rainy season than the dry season months. Current velocity variation was also not signicant among the stations sampled ( p > 0.05). Station 2, however recorded high values of current velocity especially in the rainy season months (Fig. 2D) as a result of the runoff of storm water from the town which empties a few kilometres from this station. Conductivity values were signicantly different among the stations sampled ( p < 0.05). The impacted station (station 2) recorded higher conductivity values throughout the study period (Fig. 2E). Most of the chemical variables, that is dissolved oxygen (Fig. 2F), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (Fig. 2G and H), nitrate-nitrogen (Fig. 2I), phosphate-phosphorus (Fig. 2J) and total hardness (Fig. 2K) were signicantly different among the various stations sampled ( p < 0.05). Orthogonal comparison using Duncans multiple range test showed that station 2 was the cause of the observed differences in these parameters.

Table 1 Summary of some physical and chemical characteristics of the sampling stations of River Orogodo (values are mean S.E) from July 2003 to June 2004 Variable 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Air temperature (8C) Water temperature (8C) Water depth (m) Current velocity (ms1) Conductivity (ms cm1) Dissolved oxygen (mg L1) BOD5 (mg L1) Total alkalinity (mg L1) pH COD (mg L1) Nitrate-nitrogen (mg L1) Phosphate-phosphorus (mg L1) Water hardness (mg L1 CaCO3) Station 1 26.2 0.38 26.6 0.54 0.7 0.12 0.36 0.02 121.06 41.66 8.78 1.44 2.500.39 9.240.64 7.40.10 982.39 0.240.06 0.05 0.01 78.31 9.32 Station 2 27.4 0.44 24.2 0.61 0.54 0.08 0.48 0.09 426.8 96.11 3.22 0.97 11.24 1.72 11.48 0.55 7.9 0.40 212 23.65 4.26 0.80 2.48 0.35 146.6 7.39 Station 2 26.4 0.32 23.4 0.62 1.02 0.24 0.38 0.05 91.02 11.10 10.11 0.93 2.32 0.36 9.12 0.41 7.2 0.20 101 5.44 0.28 0.07 0.14 0.04 88.4 11.44 ANOVA F-value 1.42 0.84 2.49 2.62 21.46* 32.12* 5.78* 0.89 0.46 42.24* 29.12* 31.43* 37.04* Probability ( p) >0.05 >0.05 >0.05 >0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 >0.05 >0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

Note: (*) indicates signicant difference.

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Fig. 2. (AL) Physical and chemical characteristics of River Orogodo from July 2003 to June 2004.

Most of the water samples (from station 13) had a pH value of between 7 and 8. Although slightly higher values were observed at station 2, this was however not signicant ( p > 0.05) between the stations sampled (Fig. 2L).

Total alkalinity in mg L1 did not vary signicantly among the stations sampled. However orthogonal comparison using Duncan multiple range showed that station 2 was the cause of the difference in total alkalinity among the stations sampled.

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Fig. 2. (Continued ).

3.2. Diptera composition, abundance and distribution The taxa composition, density and distribution of Diptera in the study area are shown in Table 2. The assemblage fall into eight families,

namely Chironomidae, Culicidae, Dixidae, Simuliidae, Ceratopogonidae, Tabanidae, Syrphidae and Muscidae. The distribution of these organisms varied from stations 13 as might be expected in view of the different abiotic characteristics of the stations.

F.O. Arimoro et al. / Ecological Indicators 7 (2007) 541552 Table 2 Distribution and abundance (individuals per m2) of Diptera in River Orogodo study stations, July 2003June 2004 Diptera Stations 1 Family Chironomidae Chironomus transvaalensis Chironomus fractilobus Tanypus sp Pentaneura sp. 1 Pentaneura sp. 2 Cricotopus sp. 1 Cricotopus sp. 2 Polypedilum sp. Tanytarsus sp. Corynoneura sp. Family Culicidae Theobaldia sp. Culex pipiens Anopheles sp. Mansonia sp. Chaoborus anomalus Family Dixidae Dixa sp. Family Simuliidae Simulium sp. Family Ceratopogondae Palpomyia sp. Allaudomyia sp. Forcipomyia sp. Family Tabanidae Chrysops sp. Tabanus sp. Family Syrphidae Eristalis sp. Family Muscidae Musca sp. Number of individuals Number of taxa 21 28 4 43 11 862 565 16 26 4 8 16 241 1845 18 2 3658 498 182 62 21 4 71 8 98 62 14 96 11 28 592 176 27 48 203 18 5866 13 3 38 71 17 12 72 14 1456 104 6 39 5 6 8 17 11 427 4 5 2336 19

547

Fig. 3. Percentage distribution in density of Diptera in the study stations.

Twenty-four (24) taxa of Diptera comprising 10,047 individuals were recorded during the entire study. The total number of taxa and individuals present at stations 1, 2 and 3 were 13 (1845), 19 (5866), and 18 (2336), respectively. The most abundant Diptera collected from the three stations distributed along the Orogodo stream belong to the following families: Chironomidae, Ceratopogonidae and Culicidae. Less frequent were the families Syrphidae and Tabanidae, with Muscidae, Dixidae and Simuliidae sporadically present. Of all the individuals collected, stations 1, 2 and 3 accounted for 18.2, 58.4 and 23.3%, respectively

(Fig. 3). The overall density of Diptera was signicantly different at the three stations sampled (ANOVA, p < 0.05). An a posteriori test for multiple comparison showed that the density at station 2 was signicantly higher than those at stations 1 and 3 ( p < 0.05), which were not different from each other ( p > 0.05). The family Chironomidae contributed 78.3% of the total diptera density. The dominant taxon in this family was Chironomus transvaalensis, others included Chironomus fractilobus, absent in station 1, Tanypus sp., and Pentaneura, cricotopus sp. 1, Tanytarsus sp. and Corynoneura sp. were completely absent in station 2. Pentaneura sp. 2 was limited to station 2 only. Polypedilum sp. was more abundant in stations 1 and 3, occurring only sporadically in station 2. The family Ceratopogonidae contributed 14.9% of the total Diptera density. It was most important in station 2 accounting for 53.2% of the total ceratopogonid density. The dominant taxon in the family was Allaudomyia sp. which was fairly distributed in all the stations sampled. The family Culicidae accounted for 3.6% of the total Diptera density. Station 1 recorded the least Culicidae abundance. Culex pipiens, Anopheles sp. and Chaoborus anomalus were completely absent in station 1. C. anomalus was the dominant culicid, closely followed by C. pipiens. The family Simuliidae was represented by one genus, Simulium sp. (0.08%), which was restricted to station 1 alone. The same applied to the family Dixidae (0.11%), represented by Dixa sp. and restricted to station 3 alone.

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Tabanidae (0.8%) was represented by two genera Chrysops, and Tabanus sp. and restricted to stations 2 and 3. Station 2 accounted for 93.8% of the total Tabanid density. Family Syrphidae and family Muscidae occurred sporadically with overall percentages of 2.0 and 0.2%, respectively. They were represented by Eristalis sp. and Musca sp., respectively. These species were restricted to station 2 alone. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the density of Chironomidae was signicantly higher ( p < 0.05) than those of other families. Also analysis of variance revealed that there were differences in the abundance of Diptera among the stations sampled ( p < 0.05) and orthogonal comparison using Duncan multiple range test showed that station 2 means was quite different from the means of stations 1 and 3. 3.3. Spatialtemporal dynamics in population density The spatialtemporal distribution in abundance of Diptera in the study stations is shown in Fig. 4. In the three stations sampled, the highest densities were recorded during the dry season months, January in station 1, February in stations 2 and 3. Lower densities were recorded in July and October for station 1 and in

August for stations 2 and 3. These were periods of high water level. Analysis of variance however reveals that Diptera abundance with season was not signicant ( p > 0.05). The Ecological relationship between mean abundance and water quality variables at each station using Pearsons correlation coefcient (Table 3) revealed that in station 1, water depth, current velocity, and dissolved oxygen were negatively correlated with the mean abundance of Diptera, whereas conductivity and total hardness were positively correlated with the mean abundance of Diptera. In station 2, water depth, current velocity, dissolved oxygen were negatively correlated with the mean abundance of Diptera, whereas BOD, COD, NO3-N, PO4-P, total hardness and pH were positively correlated with the mean abundance of Diptera. Station 3 was similar to station 1; however water depth was negatively correlated with the mean abundance of Diptera. 3.4. Diversity, dominance and similarity indices Table 4 shows the summary of the diversity and dominance indices calculated for the three stations. The taxon richness calculated as Margalef index (d) was highest in station 3 (2.190), closely followed by station 2 (2.074) and station 1 accounted for the least

Fig. 4. Spatial temporal distribution of Diptera density in the study area of River Orogodo, Southern Nigeria.

F.O. Arimoro et al. / Ecological Indicators 7 (2007) 541552 Table 3 Pearson correlation coefcients between mean abundance and some physicochemical parameters at each station S/N Parameter Stations 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
*

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Table 5 Jaccards similarity Index for pairs of sampling stations in River Orogodo, July 2003June 2004 Stations

2 0.12 0.20 0.89* 0.69* 0.40 0.74* 0.85* 0.79* 0.62* 0.54 0.60* 0.63* 0.05

3 0.31 0.43 0.85* 0.72* 0.77* 0.28 0.03 0.09 0.10 0.54* 0.16 0.02 0.11 Stations 1 3

2 0.39 0.61

3 0.55

Air temperature (8C) Water temperature (8C) Water depth (m) Current velocity (m s1) Conductivity (ms cm1) Dissolved oxygen (mg l1) BOD5 (mg L1) COD (mg L1) Nitrate-nitrogen (mg L1) Phosphate-phosphorus (mg L1) Total hardness (mg L1 CaCo3) pH Total alkalinity (mg L1) s

0.50* 0.59* 0.88* 0.66* 0.87* 0.53* 0.05 0.65* 0.64* 0.62* 0.85* 0.23 0.45

4. Discussion The water quality changes observed especially the high BOD5 levels, Conductivity, COD, and low dissolved oxygen values obtained in station 2 portends the abnormality of the water at this station as a result of the impact arising from the untreated abattoir efuents. Nitrate-nitrogen and phosphate-phosphorus levels of the water obtained from the abattoir discharge indicate a substantial amount of organic input coming from the abattoir. These values were signicantly higher than the levels of the control stations, upstream and downstream of the impacted sites. The values of nutrients obtained for this study were very high compared with low titre value reported for similar natural unimpacted stream within southern Nigeria (Ogbeibu and Oribhabor, 2002; Edema et al., 2002). The relatively high velocity reported in station 2, especially during the rainy season months is attributed to surface runoff and storm water especially when it rains. The pH of an aquatic system although not denitive is an indicator of the water quality and the extent of pollution in the watershed (Jonnalagadda and Mhere, 2001). Unpolluted streams normally show a near neutral or slightly alkaline pH. Most of the water samples had a pH of about 7 and 8. Station 2, had slightly higher values of pH which again could be traced to the nature of the efuent which is slightly alkaline. BOD5 values indicate the extent of organic pollution in aquatic systems, which adversely affect the water quality (Jonnalagadda and Mhere, 2001). In all the water samples BOD5 was less than 4 mg L1 except in station 2 where BOD was in the range of 8 14 mg L1, indicating that the efuent from the abattoir was organic in nature. This high BOD5 value

Signicant difference at probability level ( p < 0.05).

(1.595). Shannon diversity (H) and maximum possible diversity were higher in station 2 although this was statistically not signicant ( p > 0.05). Evenness values were closely similar in all the three sampling stations. BergerParker dominance value was lowest in station 1 and similar in both stations 2 and 3. Faunal similarities between sampling stations evaluated by Jaccards coefcient are given in Table 5. This test showed that the pair of stations 2 and 3 (0.61), were more similar than other pairs of sampling stations. Stations 1 and 2 were dissimilar (0.39), while stations 1 and 3 were fairly similar (0.55).
Table 4 Diversity of Diptera in the study stations of River Orogodo, 2003 2004 Station 1 Number of samples Number of taxa Number of individuals Margalef index (d) (taxa richness) Shannon diversity (H) Maximum possible diversity (Hmax) Evenness (E) BergerParker dominance 12 13 1845 1.595 0.611 1.114 0.548 0.467 Station 2 12 19 5866 2.074 0.654 1.279 0.511 0.624 Station 3 12 18 2336 2.190 0.631 1.255 0.503 0.623

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recorded in station 2 reect high burden of organic pollution. Water hardness reported for stations 1 and 2 were in the range of 62.496.45 mg L1 CaCO3 which is in the range of soft waters by Lind (1979) classication. Station 2 with an average hardness of 146 7.39 mg L1 CaCO3 is classied as hard water. The total number of Diptera taxa reported in the study (24) is high when compared with earlier studies by Ogbeibu and Victor (1989), Edokpayi et al. (2000) and Adakole and Anunne (2003), which reported 19, 13 and 18, respectively, in Nigerian freshwater streams. The probable reason for this high number of taxa in this report may be due to the organic materials from the abattoir efuents, whose substrate is mostly covered by bacteria and sewage fungi which are the main food source for most diptera (Rueda et al., 2002). Again, the shallow nature of the stream at this station must have favoured the growth of pollution tolerant species such as Eristalis, which extends its breathing tube outside the water surface. Related studies elsewhere include those of Miserendino (2001) which reported 27 taxa in Andean Patagonian Rivers and Ogbeibu (2001) recorded 26 taxa in Okomu forest ponds in southern Nigeria. The principal taxa, in the present study, Chironomus sp., Polypedilum sp., Allaudomyia sp., Culex and Tanytarsus sp. have earlier been reported in Nigerian waters (Ogbeibu and Victor, 1989; Edokpayi et al., 2000; Adakole and Anunne, 2003; Zabbey and Hart, 2006). Station 2 recorded high abundance of individual Diptera as compared to the upstream and downstream stations. Probably this high abundance could be as a result of the opportunistic species monopolizing the available resources or further exhibiting certain adaptations to survive these conditions (Mason, 1991). Again, it is possible that the organic pollutant has been directly or indirectly used as a food resource, and probably there could have been a reduction in competition and predation for the remaining species. Similar studies elsewhere Solimini et al., 2000; Brown, 1996; Ravera, 2001; Rueda et al., 2002) revealed that Diptera abundance is due to considerable load of organic particles from untreated sewage and livestock efuents. The overall composition and density of fauna varied both spatially and temporarily in response to physical, chemical and biological factors of the

environment. The family Chironomidae especially C. transvaalensis, C. fractilobus, Tanypus sp. and Pentaneura sp. 1 and Pentaneura sp. 2 were abundant taxa especially in station 2. The long reproductive period, the absence of growth synchronization of egg or larval diapause and a better adaptation to low oxygen conditions are probably the reasons for the preponderance of these species. Furthermore, Chironomids are known to build up large populations quickly and can tolerate sudden changes in habitat conditions (Solimini et al., 2003). Tanytarsus sp., Cricotopus and Corynoneura sp. were completely absent in station 2. This is an indication that these taxa are representative of pollution intolerant species and could not survive the very low oxygen concentration of that station. Ogbeibu (2001) was of the opinion that Tanytarus and Cricotopus species are prominent in stations of permanently high oxygen saturation. These species are therefore incapable of resisting the harsh environmental changes and are recommended as indicator species for freshwater streams in southern Nigeria. C. pipiens, Mansonia sp., Anopheles sp., Theobaldia sp. and Chaoborus anomalous all belonging to the family Culicidae were more abundant in station 2. These organisms are characteristic of polluted waters. They have been reported in grossly polluted shallow waters (Hynes, 1978). They are known to exist in waters in high density that is depleted of oxygen (Hellawell, 1986). Their abundance is also presumably favoured by the rich supply of particulate organic matter on which they feed. The family Ceratopogonidae was represented in all stations. The larvae of this family are common among aquatic plants (Ogbeibu, 2001). Tabanus sp. and Chrysops sp. were the representative genera of the family Tabanidae. They were more abundant in the impacted site. Their dominance in this station is also traceable to their ability to tolerate and survive adverse environmental conditions and low oxygen concentration. The family Syrphidae was represented by Eristalis sp. alone and was recorded in station 2 only. This organism has been implicated in sewage polluted streams (Ravera, 2001; Rueda et al., 2002). Their ability to survive is their possession of delicate retractile anal skills for respiration, and the presence of decaying organic matter which they feed on

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(Pennak, 1978). They are also known to thrive well in shallow waters; this is to permit the tip of the extended caudal respiratory tube to be projected just above the surface. Dixidae was represented by one genus, Dixa. These midges are found resting on vegetation (Pennak, 1978). In consonance with our study they were more abundant in station 3, the site with abundant vegetation. The diversity and evenness of species calculated by Shannon function were similar among the stations however, station 2 recorded slightly higher Shannon diversity, maximum possible diversity and dominance than the upstream and down stream stations. This may be a reection of the state of pollution, which was favourable for the abundance of opportunistic species. The relatively low number in taxa richness (Margalef index) in stations 1 and 3 was due to the relatively low number of representative individuals. This is not a consequence of environmental degradation but of the natural selection of Diptera by scarce organic matter input in these stations. Jaccard similarity index revealed that stations 2 and 3 were similar. Probably, the discharge of organic matter/particles at station 2 must have affected the faunal characteristics downstream with minor changes as a result of dilution and recovery. Stations 1 and 2 were dissimilar, whereas stations 1 and 3 were fairly similar, indicating that the latter were unimpacted sites. From the results obtained in this study, there was restoration downstream of pollution intolerant Diptera. This is evidenced by the natural depuration process. According to Miserendino and Pizzolon (2000) organic load dilution is known to occur downstream generating a species composition and abundance similar to upstream station. In conclusion, the perceived effects of the abattoir waste discharges on the aquatic water body can be mitigated, if these wastes are properly channeled and treated before discharge into the water surface.

Abraka, Nigeria, for providing some of the materials used in this study.

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Acknowledgements We are grateful to Drs. A.E. Ogbeibu and O.J. Olomokoro who gave their expertise and assistance in identifying most of the diptera larvae and the Department of Zoology, Delta State University,

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