Abstract

J. E. Ehiagbonare and Y. O. Ogunrinde

Water samples were collected from concrete and earthen fish ponds in different locations in Okada and its environs, Edo State, Nigeria. Twenty-one different physiochemical parameters were analyzed using standard laboratory methods and procedures. In the present study, the values of the parameters ranged from pH 6.75 - 7.10, conductivity 0.012 - 0.017 mS/cm, TDS 22 - 906 mg/l, COD 162 - 397 mg/l, turbidity (NTU) 5 -170, TSS 85 - 206 mg/l, BOD 1.69 - 3.38 mg/l, DO 9.3 - 16.2 mg/l, acidity 100 - 575 mg/l, alkaline 35 -135 mg/l, calcium 16.01 - 50.06 mg/l, magnesium 1.21 - 5.46 mg/l, hardness 0.40 - 1.47 mg/l, chloride 7.1-10.65 mg/l, sulphate 0.66 - 0.96 mg/l, phosphate 1.40 - 4.51 mg/l, nitrate 2.21 - 4.91 mg/l, copper 0.01 -0.07 ppm, and zinc 0.01 - 0.07 ppm; cadmium and lead were not detected in the samples. There was significant variation of values from location to location; generally there was no significant difference from desirable and acceptable standards. Although there is economic advantage to the fish farmers, there is the desirable need to analyze the fish pond water at regular intervals. This quality assurance process is to ensure that there are no toxic substances in ponds leading to possible bio-accumulation and magnification. In this way the good health of aquaculture, humans and the environment can be guaranteed.