Physico-chemical Characteristics of the Andoni River and its potentials for production of the Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon) in Nigeria

Abstract

The physico-chemical characteristics of Andoni River and its potentials for production of  Penaeus monodon (Fabricius 1798), an exotic species whose occurrence in Nigerian coastal waters was first reported in 1999 was investigated from March 2012 to February, 2013. Physico-chemical properties of the River were determined from water samples collected at Kaa water front on a monthly basis. Temperature was determined using Mercury-in-glass Thermometer. A Pocket-sized pH meter Hanna Instruments (pHep) was used in situ to determine the pH of the River water. Dissolved oxygen was determined using modified Winkler’s Method. Temperature ranged from 27.00± 0.32⁰C to 31.00± 0.89⁰C, pH varied between 5.64±0.02 to 6.92± 0.04. Salinity varied from 11.60± 0.51ppt in November to 22.80± 0.37ppt in May. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 3.86±0.37mg/l to 8.00±0.00mg/l. The values recorded were within FAO recommended range (temperature 25⁰C - 30⁰C, Salinity 5ppt - 40ppt and Dissolved oxygen 0.5mg/L – 8.6mg/L) for growth and development of Penaeid shrimps except for pH values which was lower than the recommended 7.5 - 9.0. The low pH was attributed to the time of sampling which for logistic reasons were carried out in the morning hours. Based on the results, it is concluded that the Andoni River is suitable for the production of the giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon).

Keywords: Water quality, Shrimp, Niger Delta.