The reuse of catfish effluent by irrigation can make a significant contribution to the integrated management of our water resources. The study was done to determine the suitability of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) effluent as irrigation water source. Forty (40) samples were collected from five ponds. Physical and chemical parameters of catfish effluent samples from selected earthen ponds were determined in accordance with the American Public Health Association standards. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that there were variations in the chemical constituents of the effluent measured in the selected ponds. The mean values were ranged as pH (6.2 – 8.1), total dissolved solids (140 -307 mg/l); suspended solids (32 – 78 mg/l), electrical conductivity of water (0.21 – 0.48 mmhos/cm), alkalinity (45 – 138 mg/l), total nitrogen (4.5 – 6.9 mg/l), total phosphorus (0.11 – 0.35 mg/l), sodium (11 -31 mg/l), calcium (24.1 – 69.0 mg/l), potassium (0.16 – 0.41 mg/l), magnesium (8.2 -12.0 mg/l), carbonate (8 -40 mg/l), bicarbonate (20 – 95 mg/l), chloride (10.4 – 25.8 mg/l), boron (0.2 – 0.4 mg/l) and biochemical oxygen demand (4.4 – 8.2 mg/l) were within acceptance limits. These are indicators that catfish effluent was suitable for irrigation systems as, toxicity, salinity, and chemical constituents fell within the tolerance limit. The African catfish effluents in the earthen ponds are classified as C1 – S1 water. Hence there are none degree of restriction in the application of catfish effluent as irrigation water source.
Keywords: Irrigation, catfish, effluent, water quality, suitability, Lagos- Nigeria.