GLOBAL JOURNAL OF FISHERIES SCIENCE
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2782-750X
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/GJFS
Start Year: 2018
Email: gjfs@integrityresjournals.org
Water quality as a driver of aquatic biodiversity in integrated rice-fish culture systems in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
https://doi.org/10.31248/GJFS2026.113 | Article Number: BEFD98542 | Vol.8 (4) - August 2026
Received Date: 23 July 2026 | Accepted Date: 10 August 2026 | Published Date: 30 August 2026
Authors: Jude Chiemela Jude Jr* , Michael Chidobi Madu-Asebo , Godwin Simon Adaka and Izuchukwu Obani
Keywords: Nigeria., Clarias gariepinus, water quality., Aquatic biodiversity, integrated rice–fish farming
Integrated rice–fish farming is a sustainable production system that enhances food production while supporting freshwater biodiversity. This study evaluated the influence of water quality on aquatic biodiversity in integrated rice–fish culture systems in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Field experiments were conducted from June 2022 to December 2023 in Ezza North, Onicha and Afikpo South Local Government Areas using integrated rice–fish (RF) and rice monoculture (RM) systems. Clarias gariepinus juveniles were stocked at 0.4 fish m⁻² in refuge trenches. Physicochemical parameters, phytoplankton, zooplankton, aquatic macrophytes and benthic macroinvertebrates were assessed using standard methods. Biodiversity was evaluated using the Shannon–Wiener, Margalef, Pielou's evenness and dominance indices, and data were analysed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 22.0. The integrated system supported significantly higher aquatic biodiversity than the conventional system, with improved dissolved oxygen, nutrient availability and habitat complexity. Diversity, richness and evenness indices were significantly higher, whereas dominance was lower in the integrated system. Dissolved oxygen, pH and nutrient concentrations significantly influenced aquatic community composition. The findings demonstrate that integrated rice–fish farming improves water quality, conserves aquatic biodiversity and promotes environmentally sustainable agricultural production in tropical freshwater ecosystems.
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