Assessment Of Benthic Macroinvertebrates Biodiversity Within The Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site

Abstract

This study was aimed at conducting ecological assessment of the benthic macroinvertebrates biodiversity within the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site (KLCRS). This was done by assessing macroinvertebrates biodiversity, water and sediment quality and evaluating the interactions among these parameters. Environmental and biological samples were collected from five communities (Anloga, Tegbi, Havedzi, Fiaxor and Atiavi) within the KLCRS from January to July, 2022. Water physicochemical parameters were measured in situ using appropriate meters, whereas pesticides, nutrients, sediment particle sizes and organic matter determinations, as well as benthic macroinvertebrates identification were done in the laboratory. Canonical Correlation Analysis was used to determine the influence of the environmental parameters and the abundance of the benthic macroinvertebrates. Twenty four (24) species were recorded in the five communities. Four taxonomic groups namely; Polychaeta, Mollusca, Crustacea and Insecta of benthic macroinvertebrates were identified. The least number of species was encountered in Atiavi (13 species), followed by Anloga (15 species), Fiaxor (16 species) Havedzi (17 species) and Tegbi (19 species). Havedzi had a more diverse assemblages of organisms followed by Anloga, Fiaxor, Atiavi and Fiaxor. For water quality measurements, conductivity, total dissolved solids and dissolved oxygen were within the levels whereas nitrate and phosphate were above the levels recommended for aquatic environments. For sediment quality measurements, nitrate and phosphate were above the levels recommended for aquatic environments. Environmental parameters that significantly affected the abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates were nitrate, organic matter and pH.