Intl. J. of Mol. Evol. and Biodivers. 2015, Vol. 5, No. 5, 1-9
9
basically rejects the null hypothesis in favour of the
alternative hypothesis that water quality parameters
have effect on invertebrate species abundance and
richness. The results obtained from this study were
precise and reliable. Therefore, the National Aquaculture
Research and Development Centre (NARDC) can use
invertebrates as bio-indicators in monitoring the
quality of the water flowing in the fish farm and
environmental degradations the pond effluents cause
to the ecosystem in the stream as they are released.
The findings of the water quality assessment of
Mwekera stream by use of the invertebrate abundance
and richness were in consistence with other similar
study findings in other parts of the world. Pollution
has always impacted negatively on water quality status
of rivers and streams as well as on invertebrate’s
richness, composition and diversity.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the support and
assistance from the Copperbelt University for the space,
facilities and the time to be able to carry out this work and to
be able to work with final year students on projects. The staff at
the Mwekera Aquaculture centre in Mwekera for the co
operation and support while doing the field work.
The staff at the School of Natural Resources of the University
for their support and useful comments on the draft.
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