Mapping ponds and collecting experimental organisms

Dr Kafula envisaged assessing the acute toxicity of cypermethrin, abamectin, and chlorpyrifos under different temperature and light-exposure scenarios in selected temporary pond species. Following an extended drought and erratic rains, collecting experimental animals became a challenge, and he needed to map the ponds from which test organisms would be collected. In the meantime, he has procured most of the consumables required for his exposure tests. He will run full-scale ecotoxicological tests in April 2026, following the prolonged rain from March to June 2026.

Outputs for now are the range-finding results for two of the planned chemicals (cypermethrin and glyphosate). Dr Kafula’s first work package was intended to assess the acute toxicity of cypermethrin, abamectin, and chlorpyrifos under different temperature and light-exposure scenarios in selected temporary pond species.

Main activities included purchasing equipment and consumables, wild collection of adult fish and invertebrates, acute toxicity testing with invertebrates, mating and egg collection from killifish, hatching of killifish fry, acute toxicity testing with killifish, and eventually manuscript preparation. This is scheduled to be accomplished in August 2026. Although test organisms could not be collected as planned, the time allotted still suffices, with the majority of invertebrate acute toxicity tests completed in 48 hours, while acute toxicity tests with fish last 96 hours.

The team is still generating high-resolution data for packaging and communicating with stakeholders. This will be done towards the end of his study, when he will invite farmers (potential chemical users), representatives of local government authorities (such as law enforcers), and representatives from the National Environmental Council. This will be a platform for disseminating results and for the collaborative formulation of draft frameworks informed by the study findings.

Currently, he is wrapping up a short research stay at the University of Namur, Belgium, where he further refined his research protocols by working in the Laboratory of Adaptive Biodynamics, which conducts similar research using different research models.

Report by Dr Yusuph Aron Kafula on his progress for the following research project: Towards Resilient Freshwater Ecosystems: Pinpointing Interactive Effects of Light, Temperature and Pesticide Pollution on the Structure and Functioning of Temporary Ponds.