Abstract
This study was set out to investigate the impacts of human activities along Chepkoilel River swamp on Macroinvertebrate community structure. Macroinvertebrates were sampled at six stations along Chepkoilel river swamp. Stations were chosen to correspond to different human activities and intensity of human presence and sampling done at each station for 6 months. Selected water quality parameters were measured at each sampling site. Sampled macroinvertebrates were identified, and taxon diversity, abundance, and evenness determined for each station. Composition and distribution results were used for bioassessment of ecological integrity of the swamp. Results showed significant (p < 0.05) spatial variation in macroinvertebrates community attributes and water quality parameters. Macroinvertebrates attributes further showed significant relationships with water quality parameters. Stations with high human disturbance recorded low abundance and diversity compared to those with low human disturbance. It was therefore concluded that human disturbance influenced macroinvertebrate community structure along Chepkoilel River swamp, consequently influencing the ecological integrity of the swamp.
Key words: Macroinvertebrates, swamp, community structure, human activities.
