Chthyofaunal Diversity and Water Quality Assessment of River Kurram, Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

This study provides the first baseline assessment of fish diversity and water quality in the River Kurram, District Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,  A total of 496 specimens were collected from 14 sampling sites, including seven freshwater and seven sewage-polluted stations. The samples represented 11 species, 8 genera, and 4 families, with Cyprinidae dominating (72% of the catch). Cyprinus carpio and Amblypharyngodon mola were the most abundant species, while Sperata aor and Carassius carassius were rare. Freshwater sites supported 8 species, whereas sewage-polluted sites sustained only 3 species, reflecting the strong influence of water quality on biodiversity. Analysis of 14 water quality parameters revealed neutral pH in freshwater (7.0) but acidic conditions in sewage water (5.68), along with elevated heavy metals (Pb 1.25 mg/L; Cr 0.5 mg/L) and fluoride (3.5 mg/L), all exceeding permissible limits. High hardness (250–251 mg/L) and alkalinity variations further distinguished habitat conditions. These results demonstrate that pollution significantly reduces ichthyofaunal diversity, with only tolerant species persisting in degraded habitats. The findings highlight the urgent need for pollution control, water quality management, and conservation planning to safeguard aquatic biodiversity and fisheries resources of the River Kurram.