Determination of Ecological Status of Some Nkwen Rivers in Bamenda (North-West, Cameroon) by Diatoms Index

Anthropogenic activities more and more degrade wetlands. The management of these wetlands involves analyzing the ecological quality of the water. Diatoms constitute a biological marker widely used in the assessment of waters. The objective of the study was to determine the water quality of the Nkwen rivers by diatom index with a view to their sustainable management. The study took place in 3 rivers from July 2023 to June 2024. Periphytic diatoms were sampled in these rivers by scraping and taken to the laboratory for analysis. It emerged that river 1 was of average quality with an index of 5.11. River 2 was of poor ecological quality with an index of 5.62. River 3 was of very good ecological quality with an index of 2.17. Measures should be taken by public authorities and the council to restore the degraded river 2 and monitor these watercourses using ecological methods by Diatoms to maintain the balance of these hydro-systems.