author(s)
Mbap Alun Olga, Sisa Mbungu Edouard, Kamb Tshijik Jean-Claude, Diango Kilembe Evariste and Munganga Gikug John

abstract

This study was conducted in the Matadi-Kibala district, Kinshasa (DRC), to assess the influence of physicochemical water parameters on the larval distribution of Anopheles mosquitoes in various natural and anthropogenic breeding sites during the 2024 dry and rainy seasons. Twelve sites were sampled, and physical parameters (temperature, conductivity, turbidity, pH) as well as chemical parameters (dissolved O?, BOD?, COD, NH??, NO??, NO??, PO?³?) were measured both in situ and in the laboratory.

Results showed that water temperature ranged between 27 °C and 30 °C, with high conductivity in some sites (up to 1311 ?S/cm) and turbidity reaching 714 NTU. The pH was slightly neutral to basic (6.6-8.1). COD and BOD? levels were generally high, indicating a significant organic load. Three Anopheles species were identified: Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles funestus, and Anopheles coustani. An. gambiae was dominant in most habitats (186 individuals during the rainy season versus 83 in the dry season), followed by An. funestus (72 in the rainy season and 27 in the dry season). An. coustani was found in smaller numbers. Larval abundance was higher during the rainy season, suggesting a direct effect of rainfall on the formation and productivity of breeding sites. Overall analyses indicate that larval distribution is closely linked to variations in abiotic parameters, particularly temperature, conductivity, COD, BOD?, and dissolved oxygen concentration. These findings confirm that polluted or organic-rich habitats are favorable for An. gambiae, whereas An. funestus prefers more stable and slightly oxygenated environments.