African Journal of
Environmental Science and Technology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Environ. Sci. Technol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0786
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJEST
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 1151

Article in Press

ANALYTICAL ASSESSMENT OF ESSENTIALLY REQUIRED WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS FOR AFRICAN CATFISH AQUACULTURE IN EARTHEN FISH PONDS SYSTEM IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA-NIGERIA

Oludele J. Ayoola1, Alhassan M.M2. and Obiora O. E3

  •  Received: 24 March 2025
  •  Accepted: 24 March 2025
This study assessed essential water quality parameters for African catfish aquaculture in earthen pond system in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Primary data consist of water samples from the selected ponds in the study area; Papa’s Ground Along Kubwa Expressway, Gadonasko Farm Military Pensions Board Usman Dam, Jabu Farm, Jabi Lake Fish Farm and Oyasi Farm. The water sample was collected in a plastic bottle of approximately 1.5 litre capacity and the sample were tested for; Temperature, pH, carbonate hardness, total hardness, Oxygen, Carbon-dioxide and total dissolved solids. The result shows the value of pH obtain in Gado nasko (5.8) and Oyasi farm 6.8) are lower than the desirable limit, the carbonate hardness of all study pond ranges within 35.6ppm and 89ppm, is higher than the desirable limit set by JBL Test Lab, the result of total hardness conforms to the desirable limits set by various researches except for the value found in Gadosnako (17.8ppm). More also the result of total dissolved solids ranges within 20ppm to 64ppm is above the desire limit. Based on the findings the study recommended addition of quicklime/alum/both and add zeolite to reduce water hardness in the ponds. The high value of pH in ponds of Ganodansko and Oyasi’s farm can be reduced by adding gypsum (CaSO4) or organic matter (cow dung, poultry droppings).

Keywords: Water-Quality, Catfish, Aquaculture, Earthen, Pond