Substrate combination of Lemna minor and muds affects biomass and population of Tubifex sp.

Abstract

This study was aimed to determine the effect of the use of a substrate of Lemna minor and mud on the biomass and silkworms population. This experimental study was designed completely random using five treatments and three replications. The treatments given were P1=a growing medium with 500 g of L. minor, P2=a growing medium with 375 g of L. minor, P3=a growing medium with 250 g of L. minor, P4=a growing medium with 125 g L. minor, and P5=a growing medium 0 g of L. minor. The parameters observed included the amount of biomass, population and water quality parameters, including temperature, pH, and DO. Data were analyzed statistically using ANOVA and tested further with the Least Significant Difference test (LSD). Results from a 50-day study showed that differences in formulations had a significant effect (P<0.05) on biomass and population. The best treatment found in P1 produced 8.60 g biomass within population.