Some Observations on Phytoplankton Bloom, Water pH and Dissolved Oxygen in Aerated Shrimp Ponds

Abstract

The purpose of water quality management is to create a good and stable aquatic environment for the growing shrimp so as to obtain the optimum possible yield in the shortest possible time, and to attain a healthy and dynamic symbiotic environment. Maintaining optimum levels of physico-chemical parameters and their balance induce growth of shrimp, while fluctuation impairs the ecology and its balance, causes stress, deterioration and negative effects on shrimp. When, among all the hydrological parameters, pH and DO are considered as most critical for shrimp growth and survival. Phytoplankton plays a significant role in stabilizing the whole pond ecosystem, in minimizing the fluctuation of water quality and lowers the levels of NH,, HS, etc., which are toxic to shrimp. Since growth, survival and yield of Penaeus monodon depend largely upon the water quality, it is essential to maintain a stable water colour and to understand the role of these variables in shrimp pond ecosystem, where aquatic environment is artificially controlled by periodic liming, water exchange and aeration.