Assessment of Soil and Ground Water Quality Parameters for the Advancement of Aquaculture

This study evaluated soil and groundwater quality parameters relevant to aquaculture development at Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden. Three soil samples were collected from three selected locations at a depth of 1 m, and three borehole-water samples were obtained from locations BH1, BH2, and BH3. Soil pH, organic matter, organic carbon, total alkalinity, texture, and permeability were analysed using standard methods. The water samples were analysed for temperature, pH, alkalinity, hardness, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. A weighted arithmetic water quality index was applied to assess the suitability of the groundwater for aquaculture production. Soil pH values of 5.03, 4.67, and 5.14 indicated acidic conditions at the three locations. The soils were classified as loamy sand, while the permeability assessment indicated limited suitability for pond construction. Groundwater pH values ranged from 5.15 to 5.31, and turbidity values ranged from 12 to 14 NTU. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 5 to 8 mg/L, nitrate from 0.43 to 0.55 mg/L, ammonia from 0.014 to 0.016 mg/L, and hardness from 31 to 34 mg/L. The reported water quality index values were 937.41, 865.634, and 900.73 for BH1, BH2, and BH3, respectively. Based on the reported classification, the groundwater was unsuitable for aquaculture development. The findings indicate that site-specific soil improvement and identification of alternative water sources or locations are necessary before aquaculture facilities are established.