Performance Evaluation of a Developed Paddle Aerator on Catfish Effluents in Lagos State, Nigeria

Catfish production is one of the largest segments of fish culture in Lagos State, Nigeria. However, catfish effluents, which usually deteriorate the environment, need to be controlled. The effect of paddle-wheel aerator in catfish effluent was evaluated. The volume of catfish effluent was collected into two basins and diluted at given ratios. The paddle-wheel aerator was installed in one basin, while another basin served as control in determining the impact of paddle wheel aerator on catfish effluents. Water qualities such as Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorus (TP), Total Ammonia (TNH3) and Nitrite (NO2-N) and Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) examined and ana-lysed. Results indicated that paddle-wheel aerator reduced TSS (24.4±1.5 %), TN2-N (53.3±1.2 %) , TNH3-N (65.2±1.2 %) , NO2-N (97.1±1.1 %) , TP (61.8±1.1 %) and BOD5 (54 ±1.5 %). com-pared with natural purification 33.9±1.6 % of TSS, 22.7±1.4 % of TN2-N, 29.3±1.6 % of TNH3-N, 53.9±1.2 % of NO2-N, 21.6±1.5 % of TP and 15.4±1.6 % of BOD5 at the same dilution ratio There were significant different (P ≤0.05) between paddle wheel aerator and natural purification in concen-trations reduction. The paddle wheel aerator was found to be relevant in the water quality improve-ment and thus recommend for small and medium scale fish farmers in controlling effluents.