THE OCCURRENCE AND UTILIZATION OF THE CLADOCERAN Moina macrocopa (STRAUS) IN A KRAFT PULP MILL TREATMENT LAGOON

Abstract

ABSTRACTMoina macrocopa (Crustacea: Cladocera) is a seasonal inhabitant of a kraft pulp waste treatment lagoon operated by the Weyerhaeuser Corporation in Washington. Both laboratory and field studies were initiated to determine M. macrocopa impact on pollution abatement, its seasonal abundance, and its potential as an aquaculture feed.M. macrocopa were found to significantly reduce total suspended solids in laboratory pulp effluent studies. In the field, Moina were associated with lower levels of biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids.Mass harvest methods were evaluated as to expense, labor involvement, equipment costs, and capture efficiency. During optimum conditions, more than 50 kg of M. macrocopa were harvested per hour.Nutritional analyses indicated that M. macrocopa in a frozen state could be utilized as a fish feed. A survey of local tropical fish stores revealed a strong market potential. Wholesale prices for frozen Moina were estimated at $.50 to $2/kg. Retail prices were estimated at $2.50 to $7.50/kg.Although these data are preliminary, it appears M. macrocopa has future potential in aquaculture as both an aid in pollution abatement and as a marketable fish food.