Aquaculture Activities Research Articles

Role and Form of Women’s Participation in the Fish Value Chain in Small-Scale Farming in Lusaka Province

This study evaluated the nature of women’s participation in the fish value chain. Recognizing the indispensable contributions of women in agriculture and fisheries, this research was aimed at illuminating the specific ways in which women engage in the fish value chain and what policies support their aquacultural activities. Qualitative approaches including interviews and focus group discussions were employed. Data was gathered from key informants and women actively involved in small-scale fish farming operations in seven districts of Lusaka Province, with a focused exploration of their roles in the fish value chain and any recommendations they had to enable smooth operations. Document review of policies guiding aquaculture was also done using a gender lens. The findings underscored the multifaceted involvement of women across various stages of the fish value chain, encompassing pond management, harvesting, processing and marketing. Despite their substantial contributions, existing policies lack explicit and targeted measures to address the unique challenges faced by women and to address gender disparities within the aquaculture industry. This research has highlighted the multifaceted role and form of women’s participation in the fish value chain within the context of small-scale fish farming in Lusaka Province, Zambia. The findings underscore the significant contribution of women to various aspects of the fish value chain, including trading and processing, showcasing their adaptability through a blend of traditional and modern methods.

Smart Strategies for Sustainable Aquaculture Development in Morocco: Regulatory Framework, Organizational Innovations, and Socio-economic Implications

International conventions on the law of the sea and obligations for the management of marine living resources are fairly recent (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, known as Montego Bay, 1982). Currently, we see that developing countries are suppliers of fish, crustaceans and molluscs to developed countries, which has an impact on their socio-economic level. Our study aims to recognize the conventions and regulatory texts in force (international and national) that affiliate aquaculture with sustainable development; carry out a socio-economic approach to the aquaculture activities mentioned in Morocco; and summarize the challenges facing the aquaculture sector. Based on the pilasters of sustainability, the cornerstone of the blue economy, there is coherence between regulatory scales, while lack of management skills, dysfunctions due to lack of governance and their impact on the environment condition sustainable development. This requires vigilance during the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). The Decade of Oceanography for Sustainable Development is a decade of the blue economy’s growth with its three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic and social. When talking about sustainable development, it is important to understand the similarities between the blue and ocean economies in order to enact environmentally sustainable and inclusive public policies against climate change.

Red tides in the Galician rías: historical overview, ecological impact, and future monitoring strategies.

The Galician rías (NW Iberia, Spain) are coastal embayments at the northern boundary of the Canary Current upwelling system. Their favourable conditions for phytoplankton growth turn them into a suitable area for the development of aquaculture activities and a site of most of the national shellfish production. Phytoplankton blooms, a natural phenomenon inside the rías, under certain conditions eventually lead to seawater discolourations (colloquially known as "red tides"). Because of their transient nature, available records derive mainly from opportunistic samplings or casual observations, and are scattered in the literature. As a rule of thumb, red tides in the NW Iberian Peninsula are of non-toxic nature and are not systematically monitored. However, in recent years striking exceptions such as those of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum, a producer of paralytic shellfish toxins, have been registered. The present study goes through a historical overview of red tides in the Galician rías, describing their colouring, responsible organisms, seasonal and geographical occurrence, and their association with other features (harmful algal blooms, biotoxins and shellfish harvesting closures, bioluminescence, etc.), ending with social challenges and proposals for improving the monitoring of red tides in the future.

Species Diversity and Distribution of Artemia (Crustacea, Anostraca) in Iran: Historical Contexts and Updated Review

In light of the pivotal role of Artemia Leach, 1819 as food in larviculture and fisheries, it becomes imperative to continually reassess its resources and deepen our understanding of its species diversity. Such efforts are essential for the effective management of its commercial exploitation and the promotion of sustainable aquaculture activities. Here we present a comprehensive review of historical documents dating back to the X century and contemporary scholarly articles. The findings indicate the existence of 59 sites (natural resources and farming sites) across Iran where Artemia has been recorded. This is a significant increase from the 23 reported in the last checklist in 2016. The data indicate that regional A. urmiana Günther, 1899 occurrences warrant classification as “Critically Endangered” on the “Regional Red List” of Iran. Remarkably, apparently the Bazangan Lake has a natural population of Artemia, probably a consequence of climatic change. We highlight the threat posed to Artemia species diversity by the invasive American brine shrimp A. franciscana Kellogg, 1906, noting its presence in 12 locations compared to 7 in 2016. Preliminary studies suggest that the indigenous parthenogenetic Artemia lineages in Iran exhibit superior production potential when compared to both A. franciscana and the native A. urmiana. In light of these findings, the study recommends prioritizing the utilization of native parthenogenetic Artemia in aquaculture, to conserve Artemia biodiversity.

Investigation on Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Cultivation in Aquaponic Aquaculture (Carp, Cyprinus carpio L.)

Aquaponic production system, which creates a sustainable production ecosystem by bringing water, fish, and plants together in a closed system, is a reflection of sustainable economic activities in aquaculture. In this context, the aim of the study was to investigate the cultivation possibilities of carp, lavender, and basil in two different grow beds (water and mollusc shell) created in the aquaponic production system. Basil and lavender as plant material and carp as fish material were used in the study. The experimental design was formed from 12 pots of 90 L volume, and the experiment was continued for 60 days with 3 replications. In the study, reasonably high values for specific growth rate (1.96±0.01 g), condition factor (1.5), and survival rate (97.05%) were obtained in carp. While basil (23.5 cm, 23.5 cm, and 16.5 cm) and lavender (16.57 cm, 15.14 cm end 9.73 cm) grown in water media performed better in terms of plant height, root length, and dry herb yield, the green herb yields of basil (49 cm) and Levander (19 cm) were found to be high for both plants in the mollusc shell media. The maximum NH4, NO3+NO2, and PO4 values were determined as 1.30 mg L-1 (in 3. quarter and fish tank), 40.07 mg/L (in 3. quarter and Levander shell group), and 0.37 mg L-1 (in 1. quarter and basil shell group) respectively.

Organizational-Economic Measures and Tools for the Multifunctional Use of Aquaculture Facilities in Ukraine

Introduction. The world is aware of the importance of preserving natural resources and is shifting its focus to a social perspective, reflecting the acceptance of sustainable development principles. Aquaculture management must consider the impacts on the ecosystem and community, ensuring a balance in the use of water resources. Aquaculture can become a sustainable way to generate economic resources, and has recreational and cultural applications. This study examines the possibilities of using aquaculture in educational and cultural activities, public leisure, aesthetic education, and the development of park areas, as well as for other multifunctional purposes that contribute to improving water environment management and creating new ecological jobs.
 Aim and tasks. The study aims to develop a conceptual vision of multifunctional aquaculture facilities as innovative and recreational centres for new jobs and the development of the local economy, considering socio-ecological and economic motivational mechanisms and effects that have not been previously investigated.
 Results. The variability of directions for the development of aquaculture activities in the context of implementing marine strategies, Sustainable Development Goals, and reduction of the negative consequences of water pollution due to military actions. Socio-ecological and economic motivational mechanisms have been developed to form aquaculture facilities as centres of a green corridor or a concentration of ecologically safe zones to integrate them into urban and rural spaces. Measures for integrating aquaculture into tourism activities and the scientific concept of the concentration of ecologically safe territories with an aquaculture core in terms of organizational measures and possible effects are proposed.
 Conclusions. A conceptual vision of multifunctional aquaculture facilities with the functions of reproduction, education and cultural-recreational enlightenment in terms of scientific and educational, decorative and circular facilities was proposed. The scientific concept of the concentration of ecologically safe territories with an aquaculture core in terms of organizational measures and possible effects was proposed.

Spatial-temporal evolution of ecological risks in a typical urban lake in Southwestern China

During urbanization, excessive development and utilization pose varying risks and challenges to the ecosystems of many urban lakes. Sediments are invaluable archives of past ecosystem changes. By analyzing variations in 210Pb and other geochemical indicators in sediment cores, it is possible to assess how susceptible lakes are to the impacts of climate change and human-induced pollution, which is crucial for urban planning and the management of lake environments. This study investigated the status of heavy metal pollution in Lake Longquan, Chengdu City, and reconstructed the historical evolution of its ecological environment using 210Pb dating. Three main conclusions are drawn. (1) Currently, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and organic matter in the surface sediments of Lake Longquan are highly enriched in the southeastern, central, and northeastern regions. Cd levels even reach 1.54 mg/kg in the southeastern part of the lake near the town. The high overlap of heavy metal distribution with historical aquaculture areas and some tourist areas indicates that aquaculture and tourism are important sources of heavy metals that increase their bioavailability. (2) Lake Longquan is currently at a high potential ecological risk level, and the high potential risk level of Cd may cause ecological safety problems. The biological toxicity of As should be considered, too. (3) The risk evolution in Lake Longquan can be divided into six stages: (i) Before 1977, the ancient river. With the destruction of forest vegetation and the intensification of rock weathering, ecological risks increased. (ii) 1977–1989, construction and development. Due to human factors and the joint influence of heavy precipitation events, ecological risks increased; and (iii) 1989–2010, development prioritized protection. Due to the ineffective implementation of protection policies, aquaculture increases risks. (iv) 2010–2017, development. As a provincial resort and tourism area, the significant increase in human activities has led to constantly rising sedimentation rates and heavy metal concentrations, resulting in an ecological risk peak. (v) 2017–2020, protection. The efficient implementation of lake protection and restoration policies proved to be effective, and the ecological risk started to decrease. (vi) After 2020, protective development. The government's plan to reduce fertilizer usage and increase forest cover will help control ecological risks. It is necessary to continue controlling tourism and aquaculture activities, and transitional areas should be established around lakes for city residents to engage in lakeside sightseeing and recreational sports. This study provides valuable references for controlling and preventing heavy metal pollution in urban lakes.

Distribution and Pollution Evaluation of Nutrients, Organic Matter and Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments of Wanghu Lake in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, China

Nutrients, organic matter (OM), and heavy metals (HMs) in lake sediments are critical elements contributing to water pollution. In April 2019, surface sediments from Wanghu Lake were collected, and the nutrient, organic matter, and heavy metal content of the sediments were determined. We mainly evaluated the sediment pollutants through four evaluation methods to assess pollution and provide a reference for pollution control in Wanghu Lake. The results indicated that the averages of total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) were (1045.74 ± 190.17) mg/kg, (945.27 ± 203.56) mg/kg; most of them showed serious pollution and moderate pollution, respectively. OM was (32.31 ± 5.11) g/kg. Among them, TP and OM in the northwestern Wanghu Lake were significantly higher than those in the eastern lake (p < 0.05). It shows that nutrients are greatly affected by historical aquaculture and urban human activities. TP was the most serious in the center of the lake, and the source of pollution was mainly the historical deposition. The average of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Hg, and As in the sediments were 2.15, 1.09, 1.93, 1.37, 1.28, 1.49, 2.60, 1.77 times that of the soil background values of Hubei Province, respectively. Hg and Cd were the main factors contributing to the surface sediments, with levels at considerable and moderate risks, respectively.

Mariculture development in Vietnam: Present status and prospects

Vietnam possesses significant potential for the development of mariculture, thanks to its extensive coastline and favourable natural conditions. However, the progress of the mariculture industry has lagged behind its potential. While land-based aquaculture expansion appears limited, mariculture development holds pivotal importance for the sustainable growth of Vietnam’s aquaculture sector. This study aims to review the current status of mariculture in Vietnam, offer an analytical overview of the sector’s potential and challenges, and provide recommendations and policy implications for its sustainable development. Secondary data from reliable sources and existing mariculture literature inform this study. It becomes evident that Vietnam’s mariculture sector remains underdeveloped, with marine aquaculture activities primarily concentrated in nearshore areas. Small-scale production dominates, while large-scale and offshore production has not gained widespread prominence. The availability of production technology and logistic services for the mariculture sector remains limited. Various sources of risk, including disease outbreaks, environmental pollution, climate change, input quality, and rising prices, pose challenges to mariculture production. The study also introduces crucial recommendations for fostering the sustainable development of the mariculture industry in Vietnam.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS SUITABILITY FOR MULTISPECIES-BASED MARICULTURE IN PONGOK ISLAND WATERS, BANGKA BELITUNG

Pongok Island possesses small islands surrounded by waters with some primary commodities of sea farming. Seeking appropriate locations for marine aquaculture is a careful planning step to acquire optimal results. The sustainability of sea farming areas should be set based on considering species for easy implementation. This research aimed to analyse the area's suitability for aquaculture activities of seaweed cultivation, rearing groupers, and lobsters in floating net cages, and pearl oyster farming. This research occurred from June to November 2022 in Pongok Islands, South Bangka Regency, Indonesia. The method used in this research consisted of parameters weighting and scoring for cultivating seaweeds, groupers, or lobsters utilizing floating net cages and pearl oysters. Sea water samples analysis was processed in the Marine Science Laboratory of Bangka Belitung University and PT Global Quality Analytical, Bogor – West Java. Collected data were then scaled based on expert justification of scaling priority on aquaculture suitability. The mapping area of sea farming locations based on potential resources was then determined using map software. This research indicates that cultivating seaweeds is recommended to be established in two stations, 1 (149.79 ha) and 2 (186.46 ha), that are very suitable (S1) and the suitable (S2) categories, respectively. Station 3 (325.41 ha) and 4 (4.11 ha) are grouped into very suitable (S1) categories for pearl oysters and groupers or lobsters using floating net cages, respectively. The total estimate for sea farming in the waters of Pongok Island is 665.77 ha. Allocating seawater spaces should be assigned for sustainable fishery management. Maps of area suitability for sea farming can obviate conflicts in seawater areas.

Occurrence, distribution, sources, and risk assessment of organophosphate esters in typical coastal aquaculture waters of China

This study monitored 20 organophosphate esters (OPEs) in water and sediment from three typical mariculture bases (Yunxi Marine Ranching (YX), Hangzhou Bay (HZB), and Zhelin Bay (ZLB)) and Meiliang Bay (MLB) of Taihu Lake in China, focusing on the spatial distribution and sources of OPEs. Moreover, the occurrence and risk of OPEs in fishes from ZLB were evaluated. The ∑OPE concentrations in waters followed the order MLB (591 ng/L) > YX (102 ng/L) > HZB (70.0 ng/L) > ZLB (37.4 ng/L), with tri(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP), triethyl phosphate (TEP), and tri(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) being the dominant OPEs. Significantly higher ∑OPE concentrations were found in sediment in MLB compared to the other three areas with similar levels. The decreasing concentrations of OPEs from nearshore to offshore areas in HZB and MLB indicated that terrigenous input is the main source of OPEs. The even distribution of OPEs in YX and ZLB combined with PCA analysis suggested ship traffic or aquaculture activities are also potential sources. The ∑OPE concentrations in fishes ranged from 0.551–2.45 ng/g wet weight, with TCIPP, tri-phenyl phosphate (TPHP), and TCEP being the main OPEs. Hydrophobicity was a key factor affecting the sediment-water distribution coefficients and the bioaccumulation factors of OPEs. The human exposure to OPEs through consumption of fishes from ZLB had a low health risk.

Aquaculture activities influencing the generation of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol: a case study in the aquaculture regions of Hongze Lake, China.

Contamination by odor substances such as geosmin (GSM) and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) was examined in the cultured water from aquaculture farming in the region of the Hongze Lake in 2022, and some factors influencing residual levels of them in the water were analyzed. Geographically, high concentrations of GSM were located mainly in the north and northeast culture areas of the lake, while those of 2-MIB were found in the northeast and southwest. Analysis of the water in the enclosure culture revealed significant differences in the concentrations of GSM and 2-MIB among the cultured species. The mean concentrations of GSM in culture water were ranked in the order: crab > the four major Chinese carps > silver and bighead carp, and silver and bighead carp > crab > the four major Chinese carps for 2-MIB. The concentration of GSM was significantly higher at 38.99 ± 18.93 ng/L in crab culture water compared to other fish culture water. Significant differences were observed in GSM concentrations between crab enclosure culture and pond culture, while 2-MIB levels were comparable. These findings suggest that cultural management practices significantly affect the generation of odor substances. The taste and odor (T&O) assessment revealed that the residual levels of GSM and 2-MIB in most samples were below the odor threshold concentrations (OTCs), although high levels of GSM and 2-MIB in all water bodies were at 30.9% and 27.5%, respectively. Compared with the corresponding data from other places and the regulation guidelines of Japan, USA, and China, the region in the Hongze Lake is generally classified as a slightly T&O area, capable of supporting the aquaculture production scale.

Assessment of Genotoxicity and Histological Changes in the Tissue of Liver, Kidney and Gills Induced by Synthetic Hormone 17 A - Ethinylestradiol (EE2) in Fish, Channa Punctatus (Bloch. 1793)

The synthetic hormone 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) is often used as medicine for people, animals, and aquaculture activities. It enters the aquatic environment mostly via sewage treatment facilities.

Screening the microbiota of hepatopancreas associated with toxin genes pirABVP in Penaeus van-namei

Shrimp aquaculture has rapidly expanded in the last decades, representing an important economic activity worldwide; however, bacterial, and viral infections are one of the biggest challenges in aquaculture activity. Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND) is a bacterial disease that affects shrimp farm ponds and occurs during the first 30 days after stocking in shrimp ponds, causing 70-100% mortalities. Microbiota has an important role in developing shrimp aquaculture and disease control. In the present study, pirA and pirB genes were amplified by PCR to confirm AHPND and non-AHPND in shrimp hepatopancreas; samples were sequenced using the MiSeq platform targeting the V3-V4 16S ribosomal (rRNA) hypervariable regions. Results demonstrated a diverse microbiota in the non-AHPND group, mainly composed of phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. Furthermore, Proteobacteria was the dominant phyla in the hepatopancreas infected with AHPND, while Firmicutes tended to decrease. Vibrio was the most abundant at the genus level, prevailing in some genera like Corynebacterium, Weissella, Lactobacillus, Photobacterium, and Geobacillus. Results suggest that AHPND causes dysbiosis in the hepatopancreatic microbiota, and the Firmicutes phylum could require to be restored under such scenario.

Prediction of white spot disease susceptibility in shrimps using decision trees based machine learning models

Recently, the spread of white spot disease in shrimps has a major impact on the aquaculture activity worldwide affecting the economy of the countries, especially South-East Asian countries like Vietnam. This deadly disease in shrimps is caused by the White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV). Researchers are trying to understand the spread and control of this disease by doing field and laboratory studies considering effect of environmental conditions on shrimps affected by WSSV. Generally, they have not considered spatial factors in their study. Therefore, in the present study, we have used spatial (distances to roads and factories) as well as physio-chemical factors of water: Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Salinity, NO3, P3O4 and pH, for developing WSSV susceptibility maps of the area using Decision Tree (DT)-based Machine Learning (ML) models namely Random Tree (RT), Extra Tree (ET), and J48. Model’s performance was evaluated using standard statistical measures including Area Under the Curve (AUC). The results indicated that ET model has the highest accuracy (AUC: 0.713) in predicting disease susceptibility in comparison to other two models (RT: 0.701 and J48: 0.641). The WSSV susceptibility maps developed by the ML technique, using DT (ET) method, will help decision makers in better planning and control of spatial spread of WSSV disease in shrimps.

IDENTIFIKASI MAKROZOOBENTOS SEBAGAI BIOINDIKATOR KUALITAS PERAIRAN DI PANTAI TELUK BENOA, BADUNG

Utilization of coastal waters for aquaculture activities or for other activities provides positive value for human welfare but can also provide the potential for reducing water quality. The decline in environmental quality can be seen from changes in components such as biology, chemistry, and beach physics. Changes in chemical and physical components cause sediment to decrease, which will affect the life of marine biotas, such as the community structure, especially the slow-moving and relatively settled biota on the bottom of the waters (macrozoobenthos). Macrozoobenthos are very appropriate to be used as an indicator of changes in water quality due to their benthic nature which is relatively silent or has low mobility so it is strongly influenced by the environment. The purpose of the study was to determine the structure of the macrozoobenthos community and the condition of seawater quality. There were 25 species of gastropods and 3 other classes. The macrozoobenthos species diversity index on the Benoa Bay Coast showed a moderate level of diversity with the highest value of 2.4576. The uniformity index at each station ranges from 0.0894 – 0.5337. The value of the dominance index ranges between 0.000004-0.7656. Based on the relative abundance, the macrobenthos community is dominated by the Gastropod class. The temperature values ??at each station were relatively the same, ranging from 29.3°C– 30.8°C, and the pH was in accordance with quality standards for macrozoobenthos growth. Some indicators of water quality are still below the quality standard threshold, but the concentration of phosphate (PO4) at all locations is already above the predetermined quality standard of 0.015 mg/L?.
 Keyword: Macrozoobenthos; Bioindicator; Benoa Bay; Bali

Species of Monogenoidea from cichlids with commercial importance in the Peruvian Amazon

In the Peruvian Amazon, species of the Cichlidae constitute a valuable resource for fisheries and aquaculture activities. Due to the importance of cichlids in this region and the constant interest in conduct studies focused on the biodiversity of monogenoids, the present study aimed to present a checklist of monogenoids from the gills of cichlids with importance in aquaculture in the Peruvian Amazon. Thirteen species of cichlids were analyzed from November 2020 to May 2023 from different water bodies in the Peruvian Amazon. There were identified five species of Gussevia Kohn & Paperna, 1964; eight morphospecies of Gussevia (Gussevia sp. 1 to sp. 8); four species of Sciadicleithrum Kritsky, Thatcher & Boeger, 1989; eight morphospecies of Sciadicleithrum; one species of Biotodomella Morey, Arimuya & Boeger, 2019 and one species of Trinidactylus Hanek, Molnár & Fernando, 1974. Taxonomic studies should continue in order to describe the 16 morpho-species recorded in this investigation, contributing to the knowledge of the biodiversity of monogenoids in the Peruvian Amazon.

Fishery potencies as environmental services of Pongok Islands, Bangka Belitung Province

One of the islands with huge potential for fishery in South Bangka Regency is the Pongok Islands. Most of the people living in the islands depend on marine and fishery resources. This research aimed to figure out fishery potencies located in the surrounding island of Pongok related to capture fishery, fish food processing, and aquaculture. Data were gathered on field observation and interviews conducting on August 2022. Results of the research three main fishery activities in this area are capture fishery, fish product processing, and aquaculture. The capture fishery is taken for pelagic and coral fish. Some economic fish are anchovy, sardine, squids, and mackerel kingfish. Harvesting each commodity is different due to species and season of wind blowing as well as fishing gear. Fish products of the island are marketed in Toboali, Pangkal Pinang, and Belitung, and even transported to Pontianak and Jakarta. Aquaculture activity is only conducted for raising groupers using floating nets. Moreover, environmental aspects of mariculture, two new fishery commodities like seaweeds and pearl oysters, have the potential to be introduced into the islands. Environmental services have still contributed directly and indirectly to the fishery activities on the islands now and then.

Utilizing immunostimulants and probiotics for enhancing vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) aquaculture activities

Vannamei shrimp is one of the important fisheries commodities in Indonesia. This is because vannamei shrimp are expensive, popularly consumed by people around the world, and can be cultured. However, vannamei aquaculture activities are still hampered by disease, less production, and lack of technology implementation. Kedung Pandan Village (Jabon, Sidoarjo, East Java) is one of the potential areas for v vannamei shrimp aquaculture which is also constrained by this issues, so many farmers have gone out of business. This community service activity aims to increase the productivity of vannamei shrimp cultivation by administering immunostimulants and probiotics. In its implementation, this community service activity collaborates with "Putri Mandiri", a group of vaname shrimp farmers in Kedung Pandan Village. This activity is carried out in the stages of preparation, implementation of activities (socialization-demonstration), and evaluation. Socialization and demonstration activities were carried out on August 9 2023 and were enthusiastically participated by residents. The results of this activity indicate that the knowledge of farmers in Kedung Pandan Village, Jabon, Sidoarjo has increased and can use immunostimulants and probiotics in vannamei shrimp farming activities.

Application of Multivariable Statistical and Geo-Spatial Techniques for Evaluation of Water Quality of Rudrasagar Wetland, the Ramsar Site of India

The water quality of Rudrasagar Lake, the second-largest natural reservoir of Tripura is of great ecological and economic importance as it serves a diverse range of purposes, including fishing, irrigation, aquaculture, domestic use, and recreation activities. This study investigates the water quality of the study area, an esteemed Ramsar site in North Eastern India, using a combined application of multivariable statistical and geospatial techniques. In this study, 24 water samples were designed based on their use and collected along the periphery and the inner areas of the lake employing the Latin Square Matrix. This research also examines the spatial variations of water quality involving quartile-based water quality categorization of parameters, with Pearson’s Correlation analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Hierarchy Cluster Analysis (HCA) applied for dimension reduction. The analysis involved quartile-based water quality categorization of parameters, with PCA and HCA applied for dimension reduction. Meanwhile, the Inverse distance weighted (IDW) approach was used to interpolate the spatial distribution of the quartile score using the ArcGIS platform. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) was followed for water quality assessment. The results revealed significant spatial variation, providing valuable insights for future water management strategies. PCA indicates 57.26% of the variance in the dataset, whereas samples were classified into three subgroups and two groups in a dendrogram representing the result of the HCA. This study demonstrates the utility of PCA, HCA, and IDW interpolation in water quality assessment, highlighting the effect of human-induced activities in the lake’s vicinity.