Chemical Compostion of Earthen Pond Feed from Spring Water, in Asaba Campus, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria

Sound pond productivity accompanied with adequate fish health is maintained, when water quality parameters are conducive. The study evaluated the chemical composition of a pond feed from spring water, in Asaba Campus. Sampling was carried out from September 2011 to February 2012 on a monthly basis. Surface water samples were collected between the hours of 7：00-9：00 am from the pond on each sampling day. Hydrogen-ion-concentration was in the range of 6.5 to 8.0 units. Dissolved oxygen was the highest in February 2012 with a value of 11.0 mg/L while it was the lowest in December 2011 with a value of 9.0 mg/L. Biological oxygen demand ranged from 3.5 to 5.0 mg/L. The chemical oxygen demand was the highest in December （10.00 mg/L） and lowest between January and February （8.0mg/L）. The highest alkalinity was observed in October with a value of 1.05 mg/L and lowest in December with a value of 0.042 mg/L. Conductivity values ranged from 0.075 to 0.12 μS/cm. Total phosphorus was the highest in October with a value of 1.01 mg/L and lowest in December with a value of 0.83 mg/L. Total dissolved solids ranged from 90 to 105 mg/L. Values of physco-chemical parameters revealed that the pond was not polluted. Water quality analysis of the aquatics is of economic advantage to the fish farmer, hence, the need for its assessment at regular intervals. This is a quality assurance process that assures early dictation of toxic substances and mitigation processes to adopt before problems arise. In this way, the good health of organisms in the aquatic ecosystem and those of human dependent on them are guaranteed.