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Nutrient levels in experimental tanks supplied with prawn pond effluent: the effect of artificial substrate and different densities of the banana prawn Penaeus merguiensis (de Man)

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Palmer, P.J., Erler, D., Morrison, C. and Rutherford, B.W. (2005) Nutrient levels in experimental tanks supplied with prawn pond effluent: the effect of artificial substrate and different densities of the banana prawn Penaeus merguiensis (de Man). In: Project Report No. QO04018. Wastewater remediation options for prawn farms - Aquaculture Industry Development Initiative 2002-04. Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.

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Abstract

To experimentally investigate the effect of vertical artificial substrate and different densities of the banana prawn Penaeus (Fenneropenaeus) merguiensis on nutrient levels in prawn pond effluent, a time series experiment was conducted in a replicated tank system supplied periodically with discharge from a prawn production pond. Few differences (P>0.05) were detected between tanks without prawns, and tanks with low densities (5 prawns in 1700 litres) of prawns (10-12 g), in terms of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water column over the 28-day experimental period. Higher densities of prawns (starting at 25 or 50 per tank) caused an elevation of these macronutrients in the water column. This was partly due to prawn biomass losses from mortalities and weight reductions in the tank system. The survival and condition of prawns was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in tanks at these higher densities. The presence of artificial substrate (2 m2 tank-1) did not affect (P>0.05) the levels of nutrients in tank water columns, but significantly (P<0.05) increased the amount of nitrogen in tank residues left at the end of the trial when no prawns were present. The prawns had obviously been grazing on surfaces inside the tanks, and their swimming actions appeared to keep light particulate matter in suspension. Higher prawn densities increased microalgal blooms, which presumably kept ammonia levels low, and it is suggested that this association may provide the means for improved remediation of prawn farm effluent in the future.

Item Type:Book Section
Additional Information:© The State of Queensland
Keywords:Banana prawns; artificial substrate; prawn farm wastewater; nutrients.
Subjects:Aquaculture and Fisheries > Aquaculture > Mariculture
Science > Science (General)
Live Archive:04 Aug 2011 05:27
Last Modified:03 Sep 2021 16:43

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