Description:
A total of 42 fish belonging to ten different species were sampled from the
Mindu Dam and analysed for parasites. Oreochromis urolepis were infected by four
parasite species, while Brycinus lateralis was infected by one parasite species. The
macroinvertebrates were sampled from four sites in the Mindu catchment area, sorted
and classified into three ecological categories; 19 families of macroinvertebrates were
classified as pollution tolerant and most of these species were collected from the tail
race of the dam. 15 families were intermediate in terms of pollution tolerability and
three families belonged to a pollution sensitive group. Most of the metallic ions were
detected from the sediments. Zink, Chromium and Lead were detected in all the samples
from all the sampling localities except in Ngerengere river (Zn- water sample) and the
dam’s tail race (Cr-water sample). Mindu dam is under strong anthropogenic pressure
due the increase in human settlements around its catchment area. In addition people
cultivate in the nearby surroundings and use pesticides and fertilizers to nourish their
crops, the residues of which are constantly being washed into the dam. All these
contribute to undermine the health of Mindu as a habitat and as such disturb biological
diversity in the dam