Assessment of the limnological parameters of Nnamdi Azikiwe University stream, Awka, Anambra state, Nigeria for fish production

Abstract

The physico-chemical and biological properties of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Stream were investigated to determine its suitability for fish production. Three water samples were collected from upstream, midstream and downstream in sterile plastic water containers on Tuesday 10th September 2013 between 9.00 am and 10.00 am. Standard methods were used for the collection and analyses of water samples for physico-chemical (colour, odour, temperature, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, free chlorine, total hardness, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, nitrate, nitrite, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, lead, cadmium and carbon dioxide) and biological properties (phytoplankton). Temperature (25.67±0.273 ^oC), pH (7.7±0.004), dissolved oxygen (5.7±0.004 mg/L), conductivity (153±24.591 ps/cm), free chlorine (0 mg/L), total hardness (33.67l±6.061 mg/), total dissolved solids (101.3±8.502 mg/L), total alkalinity 20.67l±0.054 mg/L, nitrate (12.33±0.072 mg/L), nitrite (0 mg/L), carbon dioxide 4.03± 0.012 mg/L) were within the World Health Organisation (WHO) acceptable limits for fish farming. Also, the trace-metals, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, lead and cadmium fell within the recommended WHO standard. Water colour (cloudy white) and turbidity (68±3.091 cm) were not in agreement with WHO standard. There was presence of various species of phytoplankton. It can be concluded that the University Stream is suitable for fish farming.

Key Words: Physico-chemical parameters, microalgae, aquaculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Stream.