Ecological Integrity of a Peri-Urban River System, Chiraura River in Zimbabwe

Urban Farm DB summary

The ecological integrity of the peri-urban Chiraura River system in Zimbabwe was assessed through multivariate analysis of physicochemical parameters and the resident macroinvertebrate community. Monthly collections were conducted over five months from November 2011 to March 2012 at six sites, recording 1209 macroinvertebrates. Unsustainable anthropogenic activities, including industrial, domestic, and urban agricultural activities, were found to affect the water quality of the Chiraura River through run-off and increased effluent.