BACTERIOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF CAPTIVE FISH WATER

ABSTRACT Investigations on the levels of heavy metals and microbes in edible aquatic species are necessary to assess their safety and compliance with requirements endorsed by international regulatory agencies that oversee the quality of food and water. The water and sediment samples both had cadmium concentrations of 0.19 mg/kg and 1.64 mg/kg, respectively. The zinc concentration was 0.39 mg/kg in the water sample and 87.17 mg/kg in the sediment samples at that point. In comparison to the values found in the fish muscle, the results showed that the zinc, lead, cadmium, and THB concentrations in the fish gills were greater. While lead and zinc concentrations in the fish gills and muscle were below the maximum permitted limits of 0.5 mg/kg and 67.1 mg/kg, respectively, approved by the FAO for edible fish, it was found that the concentration of cadmium in the fish was higher than the maximum allowable level of 0.17 mg/kg. The results of this study will be useful in guiding the implementation of appropriate actions to stop the bioaccumulation of hazardous heavy metals and microorganisms in aquatic species to levels exceeding the maximum permissible limits established by the FAO or other regulatory organizations. Keywords: Catfish, microbial load, sediment, and wetland.