Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences1028-88801812-5735Asian Network for Scientific Information10.3923/pjbs.2007.446.453O. ArimoroFrancis B. IkomiRobert M.A. IwegbueChukwujindu 32007103A study of the aquatic oligochaetes of an organically
polluted segment of an urban stream in Southern Nigeria was carried out
to assess the ecological impact of abattoir effluent. Three stations 1,
2 and 3 were selected from upstream of the site receiving abattoir effluent,
the impacted site and its down stream, respectively. Among the water quality
variables, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, BOD5, Nitrate-nitrogen,
Phosphate-phosphorus and water hardness were significantly different (p<0.05)
among the stations. Orthogonal comparison using Duncan’s multiple
range test showed that station 2 (the impacted site) was the cause of
the difference. A total of 14 species of oligochaetes were identified
with 13 (92.8%) occurring in the impacted station. Tubifex,
Dero limnosa and Naiscommunis were the dominant taxa,
less frequent were Stylaria, Aelosoma and Lumbriculusvariegatus (Muller). Pistina and Chaetogaster species
were sporadically present. The density of the different taxonomic groups
differed among the stations with the impacted station accounting for the
greatest abundance and diversity of the organisms. The organic wastes
from the abattoir not only altered the water chemistry but also stimulated
the abundance of oligochaete worms.]]>Adakole, J.A. and P.A. Anunne,2003188592APHA (American Public Health Association),198515th Edn.,pp: 1134pp: 1134Barbour, M.T., J. Gerritsen, G.E. Griffith, R. Frydenbory, E. Mccarron, J.S. White and M.L. Bastian,199615185211Brinkhurst, R.O.,196616854859Chessman, B.C.,20035495103Clegg, J.,1969pp: 44pp: 44Edema, C.U., J.O. Ayeni and A. Aruoture,200217145149Edokpayi, C.A., J.C. Okenyi, A.E. Ogbeibu and E.C. Osimen,2000127987Fenoglio, S., G. Badino and F. Bona,20015011251131Hellawell, J.M.,1986Pages: 546Pages: 546Hynes, H.B.N.,1978pp: 202pp: 202Ikomi, R.B. and N. Owabor,199712167175Ikomi, R.B., F.O. Arimoro and O.K. Odihirin,200536881Jonnalagadda, S.B. and G. Mhere,20013523712376Ludwig, J.A. and J.F. Reynolds,19881st Edn.,Macan, T.T.,1959Magurran, A.E.,19881st Edn.,Mason, C.F.,1991pp: 350pp: 350Miserendino, M.L. and L.A. Pizzolon,199911137148Miserendino, M.L. and L.A. Pizzolon,20001505583Ndaruga, A.M., G.G. Ndiritu, N.M. Gichuki and W.N. Wamicha,200442208216Ogbeibu, A.E. and R. Victor,19895685100Ogbeibu, A.E. and A.B.M. Egborge,19954127Ogbeibu, A.E. and B.J. Oribhabor,20023624272436Pennak, R.W.,19782nd Edn.,Pages: 803Pages: 803Prygiel, J., A. Rosso-Darmet, M. Lafont Lesniale, A. Durbec and B. Ouddance,20004102530Ravera, O.,20013397107Rueda, J., A. Camacho, F. Mezquita, R. Hernandez and J.R. Roca,2002140425444Solimi, A.G., A. Ruggiero, M. Anello, A. Mutsch Lechner and G.I. Carchini,20002715Victor, R. and D.T. Dickson,19853899107Zar, J.H.,19842nd Edn.,Pages: 718Pages: 718Lind, O.T.,1979pp: 69pp: 69