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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Evaluation of the physicochemical and microbiological quality of fish pond effluents at Mega Fish Farm Damaturu
Authors
Ibrahim Adamu Chilariye, Umar Muhammad Lawan, Sadiq Aisha Onozare, Helen Ehimemen Negbenebor
Abstract
This study investigated the physicochemical
and microbiological characteristics of fish pond effluents in selected aquaculture
facilities at Mega fish farm Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria. The aim was to
assess the quality of pond discharge water and its compliance with
environmental and public health standards. An observational cross-sectional
design was adopted, and samples were collected from three points influent,
in-pond, and effluent across multiple sampling rounds. Laboratory analyses were
performed following APHA (2022) [2] and WHO (2022) standard methods,
with effluent compliance evaluated using NESREA (2019) guidelines. The
physicochemical parameters analyzed included temperature, pH, total dissolved
solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TSS),
dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and turbidity. Results
showed that temperature (27.1–28.2°C), pH (6.8–7.0), TDS (119–124 ppm), and EC
(190–238 µS/cm) were within acceptable limits. However, turbidity (115.8–132
NTU) and TSS (101–141 mg/L) exceeded WHO standards, while DO levels (3.7–4.8
mg/L) in some samples were below the minimum threshold of 5 mg/L, indicating
organic pollution and oxygen depletion. Microbiological analyses revealed high
aerobic mesophilic bacterial counts (>10⁸ CFU/mL), total coliforms (up to
24,000 MPN/100 mL), and the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia
coli, and Enterobacter spp., confirming significant microbial contamination. E.
coli isolation further indicated fecal pollution, likely from decomposing feed,
fish waste, and poor pond hygiene. The study concludes that fish pond effluents
in Damaturu are highly polluted with organic matter and microbial load, posing
potential risks to aquatic ecosystems and downstream water users. It recommends
the adoption of effluent treatment systems, periodic water quality monitoring,
and enforcement of environmental regulations to ensure sustainable aquaculture
practices in the region.
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Pages:76-79
How to cite this article:
Ibrahim Adamu Chilariye, Umar Muhammad Lawan, Sadiq Aisha Onozare, Helen Ehimemen Negbenebor "Evaluation of the physicochemical and microbiological quality of fish pond effluents at Mega Fish Farm Damaturu". International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 76-79
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