In this study, mouthpart deformities in Chironomid larvae (Diptera) were investigated in relation to sediment contamination in the Shiroro Lake in Nigeria. Metals and chironomids were sampled monthly at three stations (A–C) between August 2013 and January 2014. Across the stations, zinc ranged (3.9–75 mg/g), manganese (1.29–1.65 mg/g), lead (0.00–0.10 mg/g), iron (101–168 mg/g) and copper (0.13–0.17 mg/g). The metal ions did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between the sampling stations. However, zinc and iron ions were significantly different between the sampling seasons (P < 0.05). Thirteen chironomid species were recorded, with Chironomus sp., Polypedilum sp. and Ablabesmyia sp. dominating the assemblage structure. Mouthpart deformities were significantly higher at Station A compared with Station C, and seasonally significantly higher during dry season compared with wet season. Elevated incidences of deformity were recorded in Chironomus spp larvae as compared to other genera therefore for further studies in this region assessments should be based solely on Chironomus species and ignoring the rest. Strategies need to be developed to reduce the contaminations and the biological effects.

在这项研究中，调查了与尼日利亚的Shiroro湖中的沉积物污染有关的Chironomid幼虫（双翅目）的口部畸形。在2013年8月至2014年1月期间，每月在三个站点（A–C）采样金属和化合物，在各个站点中，锌的含量范围为（3.9–75 mg / g），锰（1.29–1.65 mg / g），铅（0.00– 0.10 mg / g），铁（101-168 mg / g）和铜（0.13-0.17 mg / g）。采样站之间的金属离子差异不显着（P > 0.05）。但是，锌和铁离子在采样季节之间存在显着差异（P <0.05）。记录了13种chironomid物种，其中Chironomus sp。，Polypedilum sp.。和重症肌无力sp。主导装配结构。与C站相比，A站的口部畸形明显更高，而在干燥季节，与潮湿季节相比，季节性明显更高。与其他属相比，Chironomus spp幼虫中畸形的发生率较高，因此在该地区进行进一步研究时，应仅基于Chironomus物种进行评估，而忽略其余物种。需要制定减少污染和生物效应的策略。