MICROBIAL ASSESSMENT OF FISHPONDS AND IMPLICATIONS OF FARMING PRACTICES ON PUBLIC HEALTH

ABSTRACT

Fish serve as one of the main sources of proteins for people all around the world. Due to the fact that they are widely consumed, it is crucial that the process of growing them is healthy and well-maintained to ensure safe fish for consumers. This study was carried out to assess the microbiological characteristics of selected fish farms in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of twenty (20) water samples were collected from the fish ponds and subjected to microbiological analyses folowing standard methods. Data obtained during the study were analysed using Microsoft Excel 2013. The results obtained showed that the heterotrophic bacterial counts of the fishponds ranged from 3.82 ± 0.7 ×108 - 1.257 ± 1.7 ×109 CFU/ml. The bacterial species isolated in the study were Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp., Vibrio sp., Staphylococcus sp., Aeromonas sp. and Enterococcus sp. On the basis of the type of ponds and frequency of water change, the trends in bacterial count were earthen ponds > concrete ponds > plastic ponds > tarpaulin ponds and bi-monthly > one month > weekly > daily > biweekly, respectively. The high heterotrophic bacterial counts and presence of E. Coli in the ponds indicate poor management and the presence of faecal contaminants in these ponds. This poses a health threat to consumers of fish. Therefore, it is recommended that better practices for management and hygiene in fishponds should be implemented.