Abstract
Pond water or water used in intensive fish rearing contain many microorganisms which could be pathogenic or opportunistic pathogens to fish, human, and planktons. This study aimed at analyzing the microbiological quality of some selected fish ponds in Wukari Metropolis. A total of six (6) samples were collected from two fish farms in Wukari Metropolis, which are Federal University Fish Farm and Clear Wave Fish Farm, three (3) samples were collected from each fish pond respectively, for the determination of microbial load using standard microbiological techniques. The results obtained from this study showed that the highest bacterial count ranged from 1.02 x 105 to 2.82 x 105 cfu/ml while the least bacterial count ranged from 5.9x103 to 9.4 x103cfu/ml. Microbial isolated and their occurrences are Staphylococcus aureus (35.29%), Bacillus cereus (8.82%), Serratia marcesens (5.88%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.71%), Klebsiella pneum cfu/ml oniae (11.76%), Escherichia coli (8.82%), Salmonella spp. (8.82%), Shigella spp. (5.88%) and Aspergillus flavus (100%). All the samples were positive for bacteria, but only a few samples from Clear Wave Fish Farm were positive for fungi. The presence of these microorganisms causes contamination of the fish pond water, which is pathogenic to the fish and humans as well through the consumption of these fish. Their presence in fish intended for human consumption may constitute a potential danger, thus causing diseases. Hence, further steps should be taken to eliminate or reduce the quantity of pathogens in the ponds through hygienic and healthy practices for the production of healthy fish and the safety of human health.