Spatio-temporal characterization of the ecological state of the Bandama River in the Marahoué region using diatomic indices

This study aims to know the ecological quality and the level of organic pollution of the waters of the Bandama River under high anthropogenic pressure. Benthic diatoms were collected from six stations from October 2019 to August 2020 due to one campaign per month in the Bandama River portion covering the Marahoué region. After analysis of the samples the specific pollution sensitivity index (SPI) and the diatom trophic index (TDI) were determined according to the spatiotemporal scale. The results of the IPS and TDI indices indicate average water quality. TDI results indicated that river trophic level varied from oligo-mesotrophic to mesotrophic at both spatial and temporal scales. Concerning the IPS index, the results reveal a moderate organic pollution to raise both on the spatial and temporal scale. This result challenges us on the need to put in place sustainable water resources management strategies that will take into account the physico-chemical quality of water and the preservation of biodiversity in order to guarantee health security, and food to populations directly and indirectly dependent on the Bandama.