Larval Ecology and Physicochemical Parameters of Mosquito Breeding Habitats in Awka South Local Government Area, Southeastern, Nigeria
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Abstract
Mosquitoes are vectors for diseases like dengue fever, malaria, and lymphatic filariasis. Understanding their breeding ecology and the physicochemical characteristics of breeding sites is crucial for controlling mosquito-borne diseases. This study examined mosquito larvae ecology and the water quality parameters of breeding sites in the Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, over a 12-month period. The goal was to assess the impact of water quality on mosquito larva abundance. Larvae were collected from man-made containers, ground pools, and plant axils in four communities. Physicochemical factors analysed included pH, water temperature, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved oxygen (TDO), and salinity. A total of 207 adult mosquitoes representing six species were identified: Aedes aegypti (30.4%), Aedes albopictus (25.6%), Culex quinquefasciatus (22.7%),Anopheles gambiae (10.6%), Aedes simpsoni (6.2%), and Culex tigripes (4.3%). These mosquitoes were collected from man-made containers (98%), ground pools (75%), and plant axils (34%). The study found Aedes aegypti was most common in man-made containers and plant axils, while Culex quinquefasciatus dominated ground pools. Physicochemical analysis showed that man-made containers had a mean pH of 6.8, while ground pools had a higher pH of 7.4. TSS, TDS, and salinity were higher in man-made containers. Dissolved oxygen significantly influenced larval abundance (p=0.004), and Culex quinquefasciatus correlated with pH, salinity, TSS, and temperature. The findings highlight the importance of managing mosquito larvae in both natural andartificial habitats, particularly man-made containers, to control mosquitopopulations in Awka South.
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