Assessment of Aquatic Pollution Monitoring Programmes in Federal Government Fish Ponds, Nasarawa State

This study assessed the design and effectiveness of aquatic pollution monitoring programmes at federal government-operated fish pond complexes in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria. Public fish pond complexes are mandated to serve as centres of excellence for aquaculture research and extension demonstration, making their environmental management standards especially important. An audit-based assessment approach was applied across three federal fish pond complexes, using documentary review, field water quality measurements, and interviews with facility managers and technical staff. Monitoring parameters evaluated included dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia, nitrite, biological oxygen demand, faecal coliforms, and pesticide residues. Results revealed significant gaps in monitoring practice and infrastructure. Water quality measurements were conducted only monthly at two facilities and quarterly at one, well below the recommended weekly minimum for intensive pond systems. Ammonia concentrations exceeded acceptable limits at all three facilities during peak feeding periods, yet no corrective actions were documented. Faecal coliform contamination was detected in source water intakes at two complexes, attributable to upstream agricultural and domestic waste inputs. Pesticide screening was not conducted at any facility. Staff competency in water quality monitoring was limited, with no qualified water quality specialist at two of the three facilities. The study recommends the establishment of standardised monitoring protocols, recruitment of qualified water quality personnel, provision of field monitoring equipment, and integration of monitoring data into management decision cycles at all federal aquaculture facilities in Nasarawa State. Keywords: aquatic pollution monitoring, federal fish ponds, water quality, aquaculture management, Nasarawa State