Microbes from water and fish of Ose river in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study shows some microbiological and physicochemical quality of Ose River, Ondo State. The water samples were plated on nutrient agar for bacterial enumeration using a pour plate technique. Similarly, cultural characteristics and characteristics appearance using lactophenol cotton blue stain for microscopic studies were adopted for identification of fungi using the compendium of fungi. Identified bacterial species include Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus spp., Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella paratyphi, Klebsiella spp., Escherichia coli, Serratia mercescen and Shigella flexneri. The fungal isolates identified from sample sources were Mucor hiemalis, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillum frequentans, Saccharomyces spp., Penicillum chrisogenium, Fusarium verticilliodes and Chrysonilia sitophila.

The total bacteria count of fish ranged from 2-86 cfu/mL. The highest count was found in the intestine of Tilapia and the least in the gill and skin of Tilapia. The total bacteria count of water ranged from 3-198 cfu/mL. The highest count was found in shoreline and the least in no-activity zone. The average total fungi count of fish ranged from 0-32 sfu/ml, the average total fungi count was highest in the intestine of tilapia and the least count was observed in the gill of tilapia. The average total fungi count of water ranged from 62-221 sfu/ml, in which the average total fungi count was highest in open space and the least was observed in no-activity zone.

Some physicochemical parameters of the water sample show a pH value of 6.92, temperature 280C, conductivity, 161, and the turbidity as 4.0. These conditions are fair for fish optimum growth. The study thus suggests that the river water can further be protected from undue pollutants to enhance fishery practices and safeguard health of the community using the water from river.