A Multifaceted Study of Wawa River, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur, Philippines - Aquatic Macroinvertebrates, Water Quality, and Soil Particle Size Analysis

Abstract

The diversity of macro-invertebrate species in specific aquatic habitats often assesses environmental stress caused by pollution. To find out interactions in various macro-invertebrates communities, different water quality parameters and soil particles of Wawa River, research was conducted on Wawa River, Esperanza Agusan del Sur. Samples of macro-invertebrates, water and soil were taken from three different river stations. A total of 13 taxa of various macro-invertebrates were identified from the area. Phylum Arthropoda constitutes 62% of the total population and 32% form Phylum Mollusca. There is a notable similarity in macroinvertebrate abundance across the three stations, but the maximum numbers were observed in downstream. Most of the water physicochemical parameters of Wawa River were within the normal range, suitable for the healthy growth of macro-invertebrates. Most of the three sampling stations have medium sand particles, indicating relatively stable sediment, suitable habitat availability, and ongoing sediment transport and deposition processes. Diversified populations of various macro-invertebrates confirm good ecological condition of the environment and water in the studied site especially ample concentration of DO in River. The documented data on macro-invertebrates in the studied site will provide a baseline for future research.