USE OF ZOOPLANKTON TO DIAGNOSE THE ECOLOGICAL QUALITY OF THE WATERS OF THE BANCO RIVER (SOUTH-EAST OF IVORY COAST)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ecological quality of the Banco River water through the zooplankton community. Sampling took place monthly from July 2020 to June 2021 at four defined points on the Banco River. The diversity of releases led to the selection of these sampling stations. The analysis of environmental parameters was conducted in accordance with ISO standards. A 20 umvoid plankton net was used to collect the zooplankton. A total of 49 zooplankton species were recorded, including 36 rotifers, 8 cladocerans, and 5 copepods. Rotifers represented the most abundant group, accounting for 73.46% of the total abundance. Station B1 had the highest taxonomic richness with 46 taxa. Stations B2 and B3 were virtually identical, each with 42 taxa. Station B4 recorded the lowest taxonomic richness with 34 taxa. The Cladocerous /Rotifer index showed that station B4 is the least disturbed by human activities, while stations B1, B2, and B3 are heavily disturbed. Based on these results, water pollution control measures are a priority for the long-term protection of this aquatic ecosystem.