Physico-Chemical Assessment of Natural Breeding Habitats of Mosquito Larvae in Outskirts of Dehradun City, Uttarakhand

Mosquitoes have been an important group of insect vectors causing maximum nuisance and public health problems to human beings. This study was planned to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of breeding habitats of mosquito larvae having emphasis on distribution and abundance of potential vectors from March 2013-Feb 2014 covering all the 4 seasons in selected habitats viz., H-1 (Fresh Water Ponds), H-2 (Swamp Marshy areas), H-3 (Irrigational drains) and H-4 (Grassy Ditches) in outskirts of Dehradun city. Data was statistically analysed, in one way ANOVA p value ? 0.001; in Pearson Correlation -0.5 ? r ? 0.5 and in multiple regression coefficient -1.0 ? slope ? 1.0 were considered statistically significant. Among the 4 genera of mosquito larvae collected during the study period Anopheles accounted the highest abundance (87.2 ± 7.19) from H-4 in post monsoon period, however in winter season H-4 site dried up and hence no mosquito larvae were found. Water temperature, pH, fluoride concentration, TDS and DO were found to vary significantly with mosquito larval abundance. The correlation (r) between Armigeres and Anopheles was found highest (0.82) while lowest was recorded between Aedes and Culex (0.33). In multiple regression analysis, temperature and dissolved oxygen were observed as positive predictor variables, whereas pH and concentration of fluoride as for negative predictor variables for all the genera of mosquito larvae. The results obtained from the present study would certainly be helpful in designing and implementing control program based on environmental modifications and manipulation.