ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the comparative investigation of fish ponds in Umudike. From this study a total of six (6) bacteria strains and 3 (three) fungal strains were obtained and identified using standard microbiological standards. The bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aurues, Samonella species, Pseudomonas sp, Proteus sp and Bacillus species respectively, whereas the fungal isolates includes Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Penicillium sp. The total viable microbial counts evaluated in this study varied from one pond water sample to the other. From the results obtained, the total heterotrophic plate count (THPC) of the pond water samples ranged from 3.1× 105cfu/ml to 3.7×105cfu/ml with pond A giving the highest mean count of 3.7×105cfu/ml while pond D had the lowest mean count of 3.1× 105cfu/ml. The total coliform plate count (TCPC) of the pond water samples ranged from 3.4×105cfu/ml to 4.1×105cfu/ml with pond A giving the highest mean count of 4.1×105cfu/ml while pond B had the lowest mean count of 3.4×105cfu/ml. The total fungal plate count (TFPC) of the pond water samples ranged from 2.4×105cfu/ml to 3.2×105cfu/ml with pond B giving the highest mean count of 3.2×105cfu/ml while pond D had the lowest mean count of 2.4×105cfu/ml. it was observed that Escherichia coli is the most frequently occurring bacteria isolate from the pond water samples with a percentage occurrence of (28.6%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus with a percentage occurrence of (21.4%), then, Salmonella sp, Bacillus sp and Pseudomonas sp with a percentage occurrence of (14.3%) whereas Proteus sp has the least percentage occurrence of (7.1%). Aspergillus niger is the most frequently occurring fungal isolate from the pond water sample with a percentage occurrence of (44.4%), followed by Aspergillus flavus with a percentage occurrence of (33.3%) whereas Penicillium sp had the least percentage occurrence of (22.2%). The study also revealed that the ponds were grossly contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and fungi that could affect fish cultivated. it is recommended that proper construction of fish pond should be ensured. The environment where the fish ponds are located should be protected from pollutants and weeds which can harbour microorganisms that find ways into fish pond by themselves or by passive process through wind, rainfall, thereby affecting the fishes negatively.