Spatiotemporal variation of macroinvertebrate communities in relation with water quality in urban rivers of Adwa, Northern Ethiopia

Macroinvertebrates are bio-indicators of environmental health. A study on spatiotemporal diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrates was conducted in two rivers of Adwa, Ethiopia. Samples were collected from each river following the multi-habitat sampling approach. Moreover, physicochemical measurements were also taken. A total of 892 specimens of macroinvertebrates belonging to three phyla, eight orders and 17 families were identified. Higher (98%) and lower (2%) taxonomic abundance was recorded during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Family Physidae (48.65%) was the most dominant followed by Planorbidae (21.74%). During the dry and wet season Adi Haki river AD1 had the highest (H = 1.615) and lowest (H = 0.651) diversity index, respectively. Physicochemical measurements showed no significant difference between the two rivers (p > 0.05). The results of the study shows that the study rivers have moderate environmental health status. Therefore, watershed management is important to keep the area healthy.