Effect of an integrated mangrove-aquaculture system on aquacultural health

Abstract

Mangroves are unique intertidal halophyte formations growing in sheltered tropical and subtropical coastal areas. Due to the increasing population and economic development, mangroves have faced degradation and loss, which has been mainly caused by land conversion into aquaculture ponds in Asia. In the past several decades, the rapid growth of aquaculture has induced water pollution. Using mangroves for effluent treatment from coastal aquaculture ponds could be a suitable approach for wastewater treatment and healthy aquaculture development. An Integrated Mangrove-Aquaculture System (IMAS) was established to test whether the idea of a mangrove in situ treatment for aquaculture wastewater is feasible. The monocultures of three mangroves, Sonneratia caseolaris, Kandelia obovata, and Aegiceras corniculatum were established with area proportions of 45%, 30%, or 15%, respectively. One control pond without mangroves was also set up. The results indicated that the mangroves had different tolerabilities to long-term inundation. The aquaculture ponds had different fishery yields, considering the mangrove species and area proportions. The water quality of most of the experimental ponds was better than the control pond, except for the planted Sonneratia. It is concluded that mangroves can reduce the concentration of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphate, buffer the pH value and increase the concertration of dissolved oxygen in aquaculture water bodies effectively. It is suggested to use 15% of the Aegiceras corniculatum area to conduct in situ purification of aquaculture wastewater and to enhance aquaculture production.