Probiotics in Aquatic Ecosystem – A Review

Abstract

Aquaculture suffers from bad soil conditions which lead to higher mortality, disease incidence, and a decrease in yield. Soil deterioration in aquaculture ponds is mainly due to the excess feed, fecal matter of the cultured organism such as shrimp and fish, and dead animals. Two major gases cause problems namely hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. Unless we understand the nitrogen cycle and sulfur cycle in the bond ecosystem, the solution is impossible. Nitrogen from amino acids, proteins, nucleic acid, minerals from feed supplements, etc., from organic matter accumulated as mentioned from the sources above, is converted to ammonia by a group of bacteria called nitrogen reducers. Sulfur from sulfur-containing amino acids, proteins, and a mineral is converted to hydrogen sulfide by sulfur-reducing bacteria. Nature has both oxidizing and reducing bacteria in perfect harmony. In a man-made system, one overtakes the other. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the biocontrol of microbial pathogens in aquaculture using antagonistic micro-organisms. Remediation of these unpleasant and unwanted problems in aquaculture there is a need for probiotics in shrimp culture through feed and/or water to prevent the aquaculture ponds from undergoing eutrophication and to control the microbial diseases in shrimps and enhance their growth rate and survival in an eco-friendly ambiance without the use antibiotics thus, resulting in quality assurance, quality control and above all environmental safety.