The underestimated importance of fertilizer in aquacultural phosphorus budget: Case of Chinese mitten crab

Abstract

China's reliance on aquaculture has intensified to satisfy the growing human demand for high-quality animal protein, making it the only country whose aquaculture production has greatly exceeded that of capture fishery for a long time. Previous studies have shown that phosphorus (P) is a limiting nutrient for freshwater eutrophication; therefore, the quantification of P flows in freshwater aquaculture is of great importance for improving aquaculture efficiency and reducing environmental pollution. In this study, life cycle assessment (LCA) and substance flow analysis (SFA) are combined to develop a life cycle P flow model for Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) culture and calculate the P inputs, outputs and net change in stock. The results show a relatively low P use efficiency (4 %) in Chinese mitten crab. Among all life-cycle stages, the maximum P input occurs during adult crab cultivation, when feed is continuously added to maintain appropriate nutrition levels and increase body weight. In addition, fertilizer is often neglected in the existing accounts but accounts for 24 % of the total P inputs. On the output side, approximately 86 % of the P accumulates in sediment, indicating the potential of sediment recycling as a nutrient source in agriculture. This study provides an updated quantitative method for describing nutrient flows within freshwater aquaculture systems and will contribute to decision-making in pollution control of intensive freshwater aquaculture activities.