Publication: Studies on relationship of water Quality and mosquito breeding in Constructed wetland.
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Date
2025-12
Authors
Abd Rahim, Muhamad Syafiq
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Abstract
Mosquito breeding in constructed wetlands presents a public health risk, particularly with the potential proliferation of Aedes species, vectors of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. Although constructed wetlands are designed for water treatment and ecological enhancement, their stagnant water zones and dense vegetation can inadvertently create favourable mosquito habitats. This study evaluates environmental and design factors influencing mosquito larvae abundance in two contrasting wetland systems: the USM Engineering Campus Wetland and the Putrajaya Wetland Park. Field data included larvae counts, physico-chemical water parameters, hydrological characteristics, and habitat features. Statistical analyses comprising correlation tests, regression modelling, and non-parametric comparisons were performed to identify significant predictors of mosquito abundance. The Water
Quality Index (WQI) showed a weak and non-significant relationship with mosquito larvae density at both study sites (USM: ρ = 0.072, p = 0.764; Putrajaya: r = 0.052, p = 0.811), likely due to its narrow range (70–85, Class II) that does not capture ecological responses under poorer water quality conditions. In contrast, several individual water quality parameters were significant predictors. In the USM wetland, higher Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and lower water temperature were associated with increased mosquito abundance. In the Putrajaya wetland, elevated Ammonia Nitrogen (AN) significantly correlated with higher larvae counts, indicating nutrient-enriched conditions that support mosquito breeding. Hydrological design factors also influenced larvae distribution. Higher Average Bank Flow Velocity (ABFV) in the USM wetland reduced mosquito density, while the more stable
hydrological regime in Putrajaya favoured greater mosquito productivity. Overall, the study concludes that mosquito breeding in constructed wetlands is driven more strongly by specific water quality parameters and hydrological conditions than by the composite WQI. Key predictors including BOD, AN, water temperature, and flow velocity highlight critical design and management considerations for reducing mosquito breeding risks. These findings provide practical guidance for integrating public health considerations into constructed wetland planning and operation, supporting the development of environmentally effective yet mosquito-resilient wetland systems.