Physicochemical and Mineral Analysis of Fish Pond Water; Implications for the Environment

Abstract

This study examined the physicochemical parameters of fish pond water to ascertain if they pose any risk to the environment after disposal. Water samples were collected from metallic, tarpaulin and concrete ponds from Anambra, Imo and Lagos states, Nigeria and analysed for minerals and physicochemical parameters using standard analytical methods. The results obtained were as follows; pH 6.30±0.06 – 6.94±0.01, turbidity 40.00±0.01-315.00±1.73 NTU, TSS 324.00±9.59 – 1346.00±20.53 mg/L, TDS 24.2 ±2.20 – 45.6 ±17.2 mg/L, hardness 18.6±3.9 – 24.3±3.80, phosphate 0.12±0.01 - 0.23±0.01, nitrate 0.42±0.02 – 1.17±0.01, BOD 1.43.33±1.41 – 577.67±2.8, DO  27.67±1.41 – 57.67±0.02, Zn 0.12±0.03-0.92±0.02, Cu 0.18±0.03 – 0.53±0.01, Fe 0.24±0.02 – 0.55±0.02 and Ca 0.19±0.02 – 0.51±0.02. The results varied from one pond to another depending on the residence time of the samples and the nature of the pond. All parameters were within the established limit for effluent disposal except biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)and dissolved oxygen (DO).

Keywords: Physicochemical parameters, Fish pond, Aquaculture, Freshwater, Fish