Bacteriological Examination of Fish Pond Effluents in Enugu State Metropolis

Due to diseases associated with fish pond effluents, the bacteriological examination of bacteria present in fishpond effluents in Enugu state was studied using standard methods. The total bacterial counts were 2.4 to 3.8x10^2 cfu/ml, coliform counts ranged from 2.1 to 3.0x10^2, and faecal coliform counts ranged from 1.5 to 2.7x10^2. The bacterial counts were identified as gram negative and gram positive bacteria. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus sp had the highest frequency (17.24%), while Micrococcus had the least (3.44%). The species of Escherichia and Staphylococcus were isolated from all samples. This showed that the pond effluents do not meet standard. Fishes are unsafe for consumption and effluents require treatment before release.