The global warming observed in recent decades combined with the intensification of anthropogenic pressures have exacerbated the pressures on freshwater ecosystems. Thus, in Burkina Faso, the degradation of waterbodies linked to intense artisanal mining activities has become a big concern but there still is a lack of studies. We investigated on the impact of artisanal mining activities on the structure of macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrates were collected using hand net, and then transported to the laboratory for identification. A total of 28 macroinvertebrate taxa have been identified. Among these taxa, insects (88.41%) are very common, and were dominated by polluo-tolerant taxa: Hemiptera (37.28%) and Diptera (36.08%). The results showed that diversity indices and polluo-sensitive metrics decreased in the high stressed sites due to the intensity of pressures at those stations, and reflecting the high sensitivity of macroinvertebrates to disturbances. Biotic indices obtained here were correlated to environmental variables, and showing that the degradation of habitats resulting from mining activities disturbed the organization of macroinvertebrate communities. For the protection and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems in Burkina Faso, it is urgent to reformulate and implement the national policy for better management of artisanal mining activities, environment, water and biological resources for human well-being.

Mining, Macroinvertebrates, Diversity, Freshwater, West Africa