| Abstrakt: |
The importance of fish farming can never be over emphasized because it's a major provider of dietary protein, source of income and employment for the growing populations in Nigeria. Similarly, the importance of the bacteriological evaluation of fish pond water can never be over emphasized as it is a major indicator of the suitability and sanitary condition of the aquaculture pond and the fish in particular. This study evaluated the bacteriological profile of different fish pond water located within Owerri metropolis. A total of 10 fish pond waste water samples were collected and analyzed using different selective microbiological media and isolates identified using gram staining and biochemical reactions. Result shows that the total heterotrophic bacteria count ranged from 6.4x10³ CFU/mL - 7.5x107 CFU/mL, total coliform count ranged from 2.1x104 CFU/mL - 5.6x107 CFU/mL, total vibrio count ranged from 2.7x10³ CFU/mL - 5.9x105 CFU/mL while the Salmonella / Shigella count ranged from 1.9x105 CFU/mL - 5.9x105 CFU/mL. A total of nine bacterial isolates were identified which includes Staphylococcus spp, Escherichia spp, Vibrio spp, Salmonella spp, Enterobacter spp, Shiglla spp and Klebsiela spp. The result revealed a high bacterial load in the fish pond water and therefore recommends constant water change to prevent the possible buildup of potential pathogenic bacteria in fish and introduction of these organisms into the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
