BACTERIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF EFFLUENT WATER FROM FISHPONDS IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

The bacteriological and physicochemical properties of effluent water used in fish farming for Ikpoba Okha and Egor Local Government Area, Benin City were evaluated in this study. A total of twelve (12) samples were assessed from these local governments. The fish farmers were given Questioners, where information was gathered. Samples were collected and analyzed within four hours, using serial dilution and pour plate method to analyze the total heterotrophic count; total coliform bacteria count and identification of the bacteria most prevalent in the effluent water, as well as the physicochemical properties. The results show that the mean value of total heterotrophic count 3.52 x 10¹ cfu/ml for Ikpoba Okha while Egor had a mean value of 4.91 x 10¹ cfu/ml. The coliform bacteria count was 1.26 x 10¹ cfu/ml in Ikpoba Okha while Egor was 1.19 cfu/ml. The prevalence of bacteria isolates of effluent water showed that Escherichia coli was most prevalent with a percentage of 19.64 % and Acinetobacter was least prevalent with a percentage 1.79 % in Ikpoba Okha and Egor LGA in Benin City. Other bacteria present include, Enterobacter aerogenes, Micrococcus luteus, Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp. The physicochemical properties of effluent water from fish ponds in Ikpoba Okha and Egor LGA in Benin City had a mean pH of effluent water ranged from 6.62±0.23 (Egor) to 6.74±0.19 (Ikpoba Okha). Electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 322.12±0.85 µS/cm in Ikpoba Okha to 409.62±231.36 µS/cm in Egor. The total dissolved solids (TDS) in Ikpoba Okha had a mean value of 224.25±77.35 mg/ml while Egor had a mean of 285.89±162.24 mg/ml in fishpond effluent. The salinity of source ranges from 196.26±111.14 in Egor LGA to 208.10±150.20 in Ikpoba Okha LGA. The mean value for turbidity of source water from fishponds ranged from 4.33±0.82 NTU (Ikpoba Okha) to 5.17±2.48 NTU (Egor). Alkalinity ranges from 44.67±12.32 in effluent water from Egor fishponds to 51.33±10.58 mEq/L in effluent from Ikpoba Okha fishponds. Effluent water hardness of 18.50±6.19 mg/l was observed in Ikpoba Okha and 18.67±4.80 mg/L were observed in Egor LGA. Phosphate, Sulfate and Nitrate content of source water were determined, ranging 3.60±1.10 to 6.08±1.09 mg/l, 3.60±0.44 to 5.39±0.81 mg/l and 3.80±1.28 to 4.03±0.82 mg/l in Ikpoba Okha and Egor LGA.