Title: Assessment of Buffering Efficiency of Vernonia Colorata Using Sac on Acidic Borehole Water for Aquaculture in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria
Authors: Bubu-Davies Onome Augustina., Anwuri, Prince Azivudu
Volume: 9
Issue: 6
Pages: 81-88
Publication Date: 2025/06/28
Abstract:
Successive Aquaculture in Port Harcourt has faced persistent challenge low pH. Organic buffers have been seen as potential solutions. This study was carried out to evaluate the buffering efficiency of bitter-leaf (Vernonia corolata) parts on acidic borehole water for the culture of fish in remediation to this constrain as well as considering the effect of the pH on the Oxidative Reduction Potential, Total alkalinity, Total Dissolved Solids, Electric Conductivity, Temperature, Calcium and Turbidity. It was done using the Sac Method (for 14 Days) having Five, 18 Litres Plastic tanks (14 litres mark filled with water having a pH of 4.96) which was triplicated for each of the treatment. Contained in the Treatment tanks are Control-(T0), Dried Leaves-(T1), Fresh Leaves-(T2), Dried Stems-(T3) and Fresh Stems-(T4). Water quality (pH, oxidative reduction potential, total alkalinity, electrical conductivity and temperature) was monitored on daily basis except for calcium and turbidity which were monitored once in a week. Data generated were collated and subjected to Microsoft excel and IBM statistical package for social science for the descriptive and inferential statistical values (Mean, bar-chats, standard deviation, standard error, maximum, minimum, range, and analysis of variance). All treatments increased with T1 having the highest mean pH of 6.54(Day 3) with an order of buffering efficiency of T1>T2 andT4>T0>T3. From the study, there was an observed inverse relationship between the pH and Oxidative-reduction potential and a positive relationship with Total Alkalinity, Total Dissolved Solids, Electric Conductivity, Calcium and Turbidity while Temperature was not controlled. The bitter-leaf as a buffer is easily affordable for the culture of fish for consumption having the best result in shorter time than other bitter-leaf parts in the dried leaves of the plant.