ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS IN RELATION TO FISH PARASITES IN BARAK FISH FARM, ARGUNGU ROAD DOWN TOWN J. ALLEN AREA SOKOTO

Abstract This study evaluated water quality parameters and fish parasites in Barak fish farm in Sokoto, Nigeria. Water samples from the farm were analyzed following American Public Health Association standards, while fish samples were examined microscopically. Parameters assessed included temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and alkalinity. Results, analyzed with one-way ANOVA, indicated temperature values between 27.0°C and 27.8°C, pH from 7.02 to 7.59, turbidity from 25.2 NTU to 26.3 NTU, electrical conductivity from 1406 µs/cm to 1627 µs/cm, dissolved oxygen between 5.20 mg/L and 5.40 mg/L, and alkalinity between 114 mg/L and 124 mg/L. Nitrate levels were consistently 100 mg/L across three months, exceeding World Health Organization limits, while all other parameters were within acceptable ranges. Fish parasite prevalence, assessed with chi-square tests, showed a range of 25.0% to 55.5%, with three parasite species identified: Capillaria, Monogenea, and leeches. Though high, the prevalence rates were not statistically significant across variables like sex, age, length, and body part. The study suggests that regular water monitoring and replacement can enhance water quality and fish health in the region's aquaculture.