Composition and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates in Lake Albert, Uganda

Study Extent

The datasets present data for surveys conducted between 2002 and 2020.

Sampling

A ponar grab with an open jaw area of 238 cm2 was used to take samples of benthic macroinvertebrates. One to three hauls were taken from each sampling point. When more than one haul was taken, they were mixed to form a composite sample. The bottom type at each point was described from the grabbed contents. This was captured as location remarks. Samples were concentrated and then placed in labeled sample bottles and preserved with 5% formalin solution. In the laboratory, each sample was rinsed with water and then placed on a white flat-bottomed tray. Macro-invertebrates were sorted, and individual taxa identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level using identification keys (Mandahl-Barth, 1954), Pennak, 1953), Merritt and Cummins, 1997, De Moor et al. 2003). All taxa were recorded, and individuals of each taxon enumerated to estimate their densities.

Quality Control

The samples were immediately processed in the field and treated with formalin to keep the organisms of interest intact. To avoid loss of organisms during sample processing, nets with appropriate mesh sizes were used.

Method steps

1. Collection of the macroinvertebrates In the field, sediment samples were collected using a ponar grab with an open jaw surface area of 238 cm2. At each site, three sediment samples were obtained. The three samples were mixed and concentrated to form one composite sample for each site. Preserving the samples The composite sample for each site was separately preserved in 5% formalin to maintain the organisms in good condition prior to analysis in the laboratory. Identification of macroinvertebrates In the laboratory, formalin was rinsed off from each sample and placed in white flat-bottomed trays. Using pairs of forceps, all benthic macro invertebrates were sorted from the sediment and the individual taxa identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level using appropriate identification keys and a dissecting binocular microscope at 4x 25 magnification.

Freshwater macro invertebrates identified to order, class, subclass, family, genus, species, and subspecies.

1. Ablabesmyia
   rank: genus
2. Anisus natalensis
   rank: species
3. Aspatharia
   rank: genus
4. Atrichopogon
   rank: genus
5. Baetidae
   rank: family
6. Bellamya unicolor rubecunda
   rank: subspecies
7. Biomphalaria
   rank: genus
8. Bulinus
   rank: genus
9. Byssanodonta parasitica
   rank: species
10. Caelatura aegyptica
    rank: species
11. Caelatura bakeri
    rank: species
12. Caenis
    rank: genus
13. Caridina nilotica
    rank: species
14. Chaoborus
    rank: genus
15. Chironomus
    rank: genus
16. Cleopatra bulimoides
    rank: species
17. Clinotanypus
    rank: genus
18. Clitellata
    rank: class
19. Coelatura acuminata
    rank: species
20. Conchostraca
    rank: order
21. Corbicula fluminalis africana
    rank: subspecies
22. Corixidae
    rank: family
23. Cryptochironomus
    rank: genus
24. Cryptotendipes
    rank: genus
25. Culicoides
    rank: genus
26. Dipseudopsis
    rank: genus
27. Ecnomus
    rank: genus
28. Ephemeridae
    rank: family
29. Gabbiella
    rank: genus
30. Gabbiella walleri
    rank: species
31. Gabbiella humerosa alberti
    rank: subspecies
32. Gabbiella tilhoi
    rank: species
33. Gomphidae
    rank: family
34. Hemiptera
    rank: order
35. Hirudinea
    rank: subclass
36. Ictinogomphus
    rank: genus
37. Leptoceridae
    rank: family
38. Libellulidae
    rank: family
39. Melanoides
    rank: genus
40. Melanoides tuberculata butiabae
    rank: subspecies
41. Melanoides tuberculata tuberculata
    rank: subspecies
42. Mutela
    rank: genus
43. Naucoridae
    rank: family
44. Neoperla
    rank: genus
45. Orectogyrus
    rank: genus
46. Ostracoda
    rank: class
47. Palpomyia
    rank: genus
48. Pisidium pirothi
    rank: species
49. Povilla adusta
    rank: species
50. Procladius
    rank: genus
51. Procladius
    rank: genus
52. Procladius
    rank: genus
53. Tanypus
    rank: genus
54. Tanytarsus
    rank: genus
55. Tricorythus
    rank: genus
56. Trithemis
    rank: genus
57. Trombidiformes
    rank: order

The dataset covers Lake Albert in Uganda.