Mining Pollution and Environmental Responsibility in Freshwater Ecosystems: Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Lokpanta Reservoir, Nigeria

Ajiboye Oyediran; Adiaha Ugwumba

doi:10.21697/seb.5901

Published: 2026-07-29

Mining Pollution and Environmental Responsibility in Freshwater Ecosystems: Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Lokpanta Reservoir, Nigeria

Ajiboye Oyediran

, Adiaha Ugwumba

Studia Ecologiae et Bioethicae

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.21697/seb.5901

Abstract

Lokpanta Reservoir, located in Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, represents an example of a freshwater ecosystem affected by increasing anthropogenic pressure. Crop farming and stone mining activities influence water quality, aquatic biodiversity, and the relationship between local communities and their natural environment. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between physico-chemical parameters of the surface water and the spatial abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates (BMs) at five stations in the reservoir. Physico-chemical parameters were determined, while BMs were collected using a 0.6 m² Van Veen grab and identified using standard taxonomic guides. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA; the Shannon–Wiener index was used to assess BMs diversity, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to examine relationships among the variables. The highest levels of several physico-chemical parameters, including nitrate, phosphate, and heavy metals, were recorded at Station 4 (mining pit). Spatial variations were significant for most parameters except temperature and phosphate. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index was 1.63 at the reservoir inlet, indicating moderate pollution. PCA revealed that Gastropoda showed the strongest associations with total hardness, iron, sulphate, and dissolved oxygen (DO). The study indicated metal-related toxicity at the mining pit station, where concentrations of several metals exceeded USEPA and NESREA limits and were associated with reduced BMs diversity and abundance. The findings indicate that Lokpanta Reservoir is significantly affected by anthropogenic pollution. Beyond ecological degradation, these results emphasize the need for responsible management of human activities, protection of aquatic biodiversity, and sustainable approaches that recognize the interdependence between local communities and freshwater ecosystems.

Keywords:

environmental responsibility, human–nature relations, freshwater ecosystems, mining pollution, water quality, benthic macroinvertebrates, aquatic biodiversity, sustainable water management, SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

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Oyediran, A., & Ugwumba, A. (2026). Mining Pollution and Environmental Responsibility in Freshwater Ecosystems: Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Lokpanta Reservoir, Nigeria. Studia Ecologiae Et Bioethicae. https://doi.org/10.21697/seb.5901

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