Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess faecal bacterial contamination in tilapia fish from wastewater treatment ponds at Mzumbe and in pristine water in Mindu dam. Tilapia fish (fish flesh and fish intestines) and water samples were analysed for Escherichia coli and total plate count. The concentration of E. coli in fish intestines ranged from about 1 - 3.5 log cfu/g and <1 log cfu/g in fish flesh. Total plate count ranged from 1 – 3 log cfu/g in fish flesh and 2 – 6 log cfu/g in fish intestines. The concentration of E. coli in pristine water in Mindu dam ranged from 0 to 15 cfu/mL. From the inlet to outlet of Mzumbe wastewater treatment pond, there was a significant reduction (p<0.05) of E. coli concentration along the gradient from 2.05 to 0.55 log cfu/mL, respectively. These findings demonstrated that tilapia fish from the two study sites were of good quality for human consumption based on microbial faecal contamination. On the other hand treated wastewater of the quality found in this study may be used for aquaculture. However, continuous monitoring for bacteriological quality and safety parameters including E. coli and total plate count is required.
Highlights
The tilapia fish such as Oreochromis niloticus, is one of tropical species that inhabits in shallow water within temperature range of 11°C to 42°C [1]
Fish flesh is sterile [18], it may become contaminated with faecal pathogenic bacteria, if it is grown in polluted environment [7, 19]
These findings demonstrated the risk of faecal bacterial contamination in tilapia fish in the two study sites
Summary
The tilapia fish such as Oreochromis niloticus, is one of tropical species that inhabits in shallow water within temperature range of 11°C to 42°C [1]. Others include urbanization and population increase; and low cost or free available wastewater resource [6, 7]. In tropical countries both forms of economic and physical water scarcity predominates depending on hydrologic conditions [8]. Predominantly, stable surface water supply is during wet season and decreases during dry season [9]. Use of treated wastewater allows a constant supply of water in year round. Wastewater or other low quality water sources - fed fish culture is among the productive sectors that enhances better nutrition and improves household food security and income generation [1]. Fish are rich source of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as minerals and vitamins [11]
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