Monthly Assessment Of Physicochemical Characteristics Of Sampled Fish Ponds Water At University Of Ibadan Fish Farm

Abstract

Survival of artificial fish farm is based on chosen pond and its environment. Ideal environment will enhance optimum growth and development of fish. The major problem hindered the success of fish production are links to water, this are traced to seasonal variations in fish pond water. The negligence on part of fish farmer towards the aforementioned challenges has continues to bring set back to success of fish farming. The current study is focus on monthly assessment of physicochemical characteristics of water from University of Ibadan, Fish farm. Water samples were collected from two earthen ponds from University of Ibadan, Fish farm, Ibadan, Oyo state. Water Temperature, Air Temperature and pH, were determined in-situ while the other parameters were determined out-situ. All properties were examined according to standard methods. The overall mean and standard deviation of results obtained over a period of year are as follows: Water Temperature (26.40±1.91), Air Temperature (29.22±1.52), pH (8.08±0.52), Dissolved Oxygen (6.46±0.75mg/L), Total Dissolved Solids (22.02±9.31), Electrical conductivity (9.64±2.35μS/cm), Total Hardness (42.14±10.18mg/L), Total Alkalinity (35.42±5.23 mg/L), Phosphate (0.85±0.57 mg/L), Chloride (8.55±0.79), Nitrate (2.52±0.79 mg/L), Calcium (33.86±15.55 mg/L), Sodium (23.90±0.92), Magnesium (1.20±0.10), Potassium (1.04±0.06) and Iron (0.36±0.06). The above results are mostly within the WHO, SON and FEPA standards limits for drinking water. Also, they are within the required regulatory requirements for optimal survival for fish in ponds. Water sampled in two ponds examined are perfectly fit for fish production.