EVALUATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN FISH FARMS IN NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ENUGU STATE

Abstract

This study evaluated the physicochemical parameters in fish farms in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu state. The study adopted a descriptive survey design while multistage sampling techniques was used. The study locations were from the three zones of Nsukka Local Government namely; Nsukka East, Nsukka Central and Nsukka West. Water samples for physicochemical parameters were collected six times each from the eighteen fish farms across the three zones of Nsukka Local Government Area and three autonomous communities in an interval of one month. Seven physicochemical parameters namely ammonia, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, nitrate, nitrite, temperature and hydrogen ion concentrations were studied using standards laboratory procedures. The water sample for physicochemical parameters were collected at a depth of about 5-10 cm from the pond with 250 ml and 500 ml sample bottles at the various ponds monthly for six months. Data were analyzed using t-test and ANOVA. Results showed that there were no significant (p>0.05) differences in the physicochemical parameters monthly variations, except for dissolved oxygen and temperature that varied significantly (p<0.05) in some months. The level of dissolved oxygen in October (6.64 ± 0.93 ppm) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the levels observed in March (5.46 ± 1.34 ppm). The temperature level recorded in December (27.00 ± 0.62 ˚C) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than what was recorded in October (27.95 ± 0.74 ˚C), February (28.03 ± 0.61 ˚C) and March (28.40 ± 0.48 ˚C). Also, there were no significant (p>0.05) differences in their monthly variations of ammonia, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, nitrite, pH; however, the variations of nitrate and temperature showed significant difference (p <0.05). Whereas, nitrate level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Nsukka West (0.37 ± 0.20 mg/L), temperature was significantly (p <0.05) higher in Nsukka East (28.23 ± 0.79 ˚C). Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and turbidity have high level of association with pond water change (r=0.676**). It is recommended that regular monitoring of physicochemical parameters should be adopted in other to ensure water quality.