Differences in Physicochemical Properties of Water from Neighbourhood Boreholes and Their Usefulness in Clarias gariepinus Egg Hatching

Water parameters and egg hatching success in water from three boreholes within close proximity were investigated. The studies were conducted to ascertain differences in their quality and ability to support Clarias gariepinus egg hatching. The boreholes were tagged 300m, 400m and 330m in relation to their distances from a perennial stream within the vicinity. Temperature and pH were investigated using digital metres. Dissolved oxygen, alkalinity and total hardness were determined using titration method. The water parameters were measured twice a week for 5 weeks. Percentage egg hatching, time to commencement and termination of egg hatching were studied in triplicates. The results obtained showed that pH, Dissolve oxygen (DO), Alkalinity and total hardness were significantly different (P0.05). Total hardness fluctuated most at 21% coefficient of variation (CV). Egg fertilization success was not significantly different (P>0.05). Percentage egg hatching (68.8%, 92.8% and 87.3% for 300m, 400m and 330m) respectively was significantly different (P