ASSESSING THE PERFORMANCE OF A POND SLUDGE REMOVER SET AND SLUDGE COMPOSITION

Abstract

Bangladesh, a leading fish-producing country, relies on fish as a primary protein source, but poor management has led to a decline in fish quality. Ammonia and low dissolved oxygen levels adversely affect fish production and taste. Leftover pellet feed accumulating at the pond bottom decomposes releasing ammonia and forming sludge, the primary source of water pollution. High fish density exacerbates sludge buildup, necessitating effective removal for pond water preservation. The study addresses the critical issue of sludge accumulation in fish ponds, contributing to elevated gas and ammonia levels. A sludge remover set was constructed in Kaharole Upazila, Dinajpur, utilizing local materials and an electric motor. Testing three sludge collectors with perforated holes of 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm revealed that the 15 mm perforated pipe was the most cost-effective, with a collection rate of 1.85 kg of sludge-water mixture per 5L. The sludge composition, analyzed at the Soil Resources Development Institute (SRDI), Dinajpur, indicated valuable nutrients like nitrogen (0.179%), phosphorus (54.05 ppm), potassium (0.28 meq/100g), and micronutrients, potentially beneficial for plant growth and agricultural fertilizer. The findings emphasize the vital role of sludge remover sets in increasing fish production by effectively managing sludge accumulation.