Assessment of the Suitability of Surface and Ground-water Quality for Aquaculture in River Yadzaram, Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Assessment of the suitability of surface and ground-water quality for aquaculture was conducted in River Yadzaram, Mubi. Surface water samples were collected from river Yazaram and Ground-water samples were collected from randomly selected wells around river Yadzaram. Sampling was done bi-monthly for the period four months (May-August, 2020). The sample were analysed with reference to water quality testing guide for aquaculture system. Data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) to separate the means. Assessment of surface and ground-water quality analysed with reference to water quality testing guide for aquaculture showed some marked variation in physiochemical parameters in this study and that not all the parameters determined were within the limits specified by the relevant regulations in all the sites. The results of the study revealed that some physicochemical parameters and Heavy metals values obtained were slightly above the recommended safety limits for aquaculture. The water temperature fluctuation was observed throughout the study in all the sites and was within the normal range of 8-300C that fish adaptation in tropics. The pH values recorded in this research fall within the EU recommended range of 6-9 for aquatic life. Conductivity values also fluctuate between sites and sources but were within the recommended range for aquaculture. The mean TDS obtained in this study was below the WHO maximum contaminant level of 1000mg/l. The heavy metals revealed that the levels of Cupper were within the permissible limit of 0.05mg/l set by WHO for the survival and physiological function of aquatic organisms from both the surface and ground-water from the various sites. The level of Zinc in surface and ground-water from the sites fluctuated but was found to be within the recommended range of 0.3 mg/l for aquaculture as recommended by water quality testing guide for aquaculture system. The lead fluctuated and slightly exceeded the permissible level of 0.01 mg/l set by WHO for aquatic life in both surface and ground-water from the various sites.The study, therefore, recommends that both surface and ground-water can be used for aquaculture but suggested a routine check-up for water quality in order to avoid increase in level recommended by water quality testing guide for aquaculture system.