Evaluation of quality and health indicators in Oreochromis Niloticus: A comparative study of different sources
Aende, Athanasius Aondohemen
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, College of Forestry and Fisheries, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, P. M. B- 2373, Benue State, Nigeria.
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2540-6401
Kwaghvihi Orfega Benjamin
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, College of Forestry and Fisheries, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, P. M. B- 2373, Benue State, Nigeria.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9844-4456
Adanu Ajaka Onyejefu
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, College of Forestry and Fisheries, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, P. M. B- 2373, Benue State, Nigeria.
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7641-6769
Egbe Sunday Daniel
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, College of Forestry and Fisheries, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, P. M. B- 2373, Benue State, Nigeria.
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0931-6845
Mkav Joshua Terfa
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, College of Forestry and Fisheries, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, P. M. B- 2373, Benue State, Nigeria.
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8706-4718
DOI: https://doi.org/10.20448/wsr.v13i1.8818
Keywords: Benue cement dam, Buruku river, Haematology, Microbial load, Physicochemical parameters, Proximate analysis, Seasonal variations.
Abstract
This study evaluated the physicochemical properties, hematological indices, proximate composition, and microbial profile of smoked Oreochromis niloticus sourced from dammed and undammed water bodies in Benue State, Nigeria, across wet (August/September 2025) and dry (January/February 2026) seasons. Results showed minor variations in pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and total dissolved solids, with consistently higher values in the dam. Electrical conductivity and biochemical oxygen demand differed significantly between sites, indicating variations in water quality. Hematological analysis revealed significantly higher white blood cell count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration in the dam fish. In contrast, red blood cell count and hematocrit were higher in river fish. Hemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular volume showed no significant differences. Proximate analysis indicated higher levels of protein, fat, fiber, ash, and moisture in river fish compared to dam samples. Microbial assessment identified similar isolates in both sources; however, Bacillus spp and Pseudomonas species were detected only in the dam fish. These findings suggest mild physiological responses to environmental stressors, potentially linked to anthropogenic activities and pollution. The study highlights the need for improved water quality management, hygienic fish-handling practices, and continuous environmental monitoring to safeguard fish health and the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.