TITLE:
Biological Assessment of Pollution in the Mfilou River Using Benthic Macroinvertebrates, Congo-Brazzaville
AUTHORS:
César Ngoulou, Honest Freedom Poaty Ngot, Victor Mamonékéné, Ange Ghislain Zassi-Boulou, Lérège Aulne Batiabo Mikémbi, Samie Miriame Mabika Moussounda, Arsène Lenga
KEYWORDS:
Biological Indexes, Aquatic Ecosystems, Integrity Status, Biodiversity
JOURNAL NAME:
Natural Resources,
Vol.17 No.8,
August
4,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study assesses pollution in the Mfilou River using only benthic macroinvertebrates collected from five sampling stations during four sampling campaigns alternating between the dry and rainy seasons, from 2018 to 2020. Specimens were collected, identified, and classified. The Chironomidae index, the Normalized Global Biological Index (IBGN) and the Family Biotic Index (FBI) were used to determine the different levels of sediment-related pollution and organic pollution. The results show moderate pollution linked to sediments at the Maraîchère Zone station and organic pollution of intensity ranging from net to severe in the Mfilou River.