Using the chironomid index to assess the impact of human activities on some agro-pastoral dams in the Tchologo region of Northern Ivory Coast

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of human activities on water quality using the chironomid index of aquatic macroinvertebrates. The study was carried out in the Tchologo region, where five agro-pastoral dams were studied: Mambiadougou, Noumousso Torla, Korokara in Ouangolo-dougou and Sambakaha in Ferkessédougou department. Data were collected by season from June 2016 to June 2018. Aquatic macroinvertebrates on the bottom were collected using a Van Veen bucket. Those attached to aquatic macrophytes were sampled using a 1 mm mesh vacuum sieve. Water quality was assessed using the Chironomid Index. The results showed that the Mambiadougou and Noumousso agro-pastoral dams are highly polluted, with Chironomid Index values above 75%. The Korokara and Sambakaha agro-pastoral dams are moderately polluted, with Chironomid Index values between 20% and 75%. Finally, the Torla agro-pastoral dam is slightly polluted, with a Chironomid Index value between 5% and 20%. This study has highlighted the influence of human activities on the ecological quality of these hydrosystems. These results will serve as a basis for better management of agro-pastoral dams in the Tchologo region.