Brackish Ponds Research Articles

Microbial Mat Dominated by Amphora spp. and Their Adaptative Strategies in an Arsenic-Rich Brackish Pond

Microbial Mat Dominated by Amphora spp. and Their Adaptative Strategies in an Arsenic-Rich Brackish Pond

Characteristics of the aquatic environment as a basis for brackish water pond development in the Padang Pariaman regency area, Indonesia

The coast of Padang Pariaman Regency is one of the shrimp productions centra area in West Sumatera Province. This study aims to show water conditions in aquaculture areas for vanname shrimp pond. Carried out every month through insitu and exsitu water sampling and analysis in 6 locations from May-July 2022. Observations were made on water physical-chemistry parameters (temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen-DO, COD, ammonia, TSS and phosphate). Data were analyzed descriptively, compared with environmental quality standards for biota based on decree of Government Number 22 of 2021. Based on the analysis, it is known that the range (and standard deviation) of water quality varies, namely temperature 26.7-33.5 °C (29.79±1.93 °C), pH 7.37-8.8 (7.86±0.31), salinity 25-36 ‰ (29.83±2.94 ‰), DO 6.01-8.90 mg/l (7.70±0.99 mg/l), ammonia 0.01-3.25 mg/l (1.65±0.91 mg/l), phosphate 0.03-0.33 mg/l (0.18±0.09 mg/l), TSS 2.03-14.46 mg/l (4.49±3.32 mg/l), and COD 17.6-88.0 mg/l (54.76± 21.25 mg/l). Based on the observations, it can be concluded with the condition of the brackish pond waters is good for the development of vanname shrimp aquaculture.

The third, brackish water-dwelling, species of the genus Balssipotamon (Decapoda: Potamidae) from Tre Island of Nhatrang Bay, Vietnam

A third species of the genus Balssipotamon Ðặng et Hồ, 2008 (Brachyura: Decapoda: Potamidae), B. tre sp. nov., is described from Tre Island located in Nhatrang Bay, Vietnam. The new species clearly differs from the congeners in morphology, as well as ecologically, inhabiting a coastal brackish pond, cohabited by the typical brackish-water crabs Varuna litterata (Fabricius, 1798) (Varunidae) and Somanniathelphusa cf. sinensis (H. Milne-Edwards, 1853) (Gecarcinucidae).

Bioecology Study of Brackish Pond Waters for Saline Tilapia in Petta Barat Village Sangihe Archipelago District

Problems that often arise in the fisheries sector, especially in the development of saline tilapia aquaculture, are always related to constraints in feed supply. Therefore, feed management involving the use of immunostimulants is required as an effort to improve the growth and survival of saline tilapia. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify the relationship between the use of immunostimulant yeast derived from natural extracts of cucumber fruit on the relative growth rate of saline tilapia and its relationship with ecological characteristics and water quality in saline tilapia ponds in Petta Barat Village, Sangihe Regency. This study applied a completely randomized experimental design (CRED) with four treatment groups and repeated it three times. The treatment groups were A (no addition of natural yeast in feed), B (10 ml natural yeast/kg feed), C (20 ml natural yeast/kg feed), and D (30 ml natural yeast/kg feed). Feeding was done twice a day, with the amount of feed given as 5% of the fish body weight. The findings of this study indicated that variations in the addition of natural yeast of cucumber fruit extract to the feed did not result in a significant impact on the relative growth rate of saline tilapia. In addition, water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity, nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia remained within appropriate ranges and supported the survival of saline tilapia.

Opportunity mapping for nature-based solutions: Mitigating storm surge and land erosion in the Caribbean

The islands of the Caribbean are particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change due to their low-lying coastal areas and location within the Atlantic basin's hurricane belt. The UK Overseas Territory of Anguilla is one such island. The predicted increase in the severity of hurricanes and sea-level rise is highly likely to increase the flood risk of already vulnerable island communities. In this study, flood risk and erosion models are used to prioritise opportunity areas for nature-based restoration and to identify those that would have the greatest impact on coastal and in-land flood risk reduction. Two study sites in Anguilla were selected to highlight this ecologically-based modelling approach; Cove Bay and Pond, a degraded sand dune system and brackish pond, and the East End Pond, an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area that floods following heavy rainfall events. At the coastal site, the restoration of mangroves, sand dunes and coral reefs have the potential to provide flood risk reduction up to 500 m inland and protect homes, infrastructure and tourism developments. For the in-land East End Pond, areas of high erosion risk were predominately identified as bare or disturbed land within 1 km of the pond's basin. Habitat restoration of these areas was identified as having the greatest impact on reducing flood risk. The creation of flood risk, opportunity and impact models are invaluable tools that can be used to inform, advocate and justify the implementation of nature-based solutions to a range of stakeholders from policy-makers to local communties.

Spatial distribution of bacterial communities driven by multiple environmental factors in sediment of brackish channel catfish ponds in Eastern China

Sediment bacteria are crucial for maintaining water quality, preventing disease, and cycling nutrients in aquaculture ponds. In the present study, a total of 42 sediment samples were collected over the course of four months from three farms. By using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing techniques, bacterial communities were studied. Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Desulfobacterota, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidetes and Acidobacteriota were the dominant species at the phylum level in all samples. Spatial variation had a greater impact on the bacterial community composition and distribution of brackish pond sediments. Chloroflexi, Desulfobacterota, Spirochaetota and Latescibacterota were all substantially correlated positively with salinity. Moreover, salinity was negatively correlated with beta diversity. Salinity and total organic carbon were positively correlated with bacterial community distribution. This study was helpful to understand the response of bacterial communities to habitat changes, and provided a theoretical reference for the environmental supervision of aquaculture in sediment of brackish channel catfish ponds in Eastern China.

Macrobenthos of the Tortolì Lagoon: A Peculiar Case of High Benthic Biodiversity among Mediterranean Lagoons

Coastal lagoons and brackish ponds are extremely dynamic and temporary ecosystems that follow natural changes throughout their geological history. The correct management of the lagoons ensures their integrity and proper functioning. For this reason, their ecological status should be surveyed for assessing the most appropriate strategies of use. In the present study, historical datasets collected in 2003–2004 are used to investigate the spatiotemporal variation in the species composition and community structure of the macrobenthos of the Tortolì Lagoon (Sardinia, Italy) and to assess their relationship with key environmental variables. Owing to the presence of a riverine runoff at a site and confined areas at some distance from the sea inlet, we hypothesize the marked spatiotemporal changes of the macrobenthic community consistent with the high environmental variability typical of coastal lagoons. The results show a surprisingly high benthic biodiversity for a medium-sized lagoon (250 ha), with 101 species unevenly distributed across the lagoon. The environmental variables did not explain the zonation of the macrobenthic community as that typically found along a lagoonal gradient, due to a marked marine influence. The sampling sites were in fact discriminated by the species distribution according to their ecological affinity; in particular, the most distinctive characteristics of the Tortolì Lagoon emerged from the strictly marine species that represented the most abundant group, consistently with the high marinization of the lagoon. Our results show that the Tortolì Lagoon constitutes a peculiar ecosystem within Mediterranean lagoons, departing from the classic confinement theory.

Listening to the raindrops from underwater for weather and climate

Jeffrey A. Nystuen is a pioneer in using the passive acoustic method to measure oceanic rainfall. Under Nystuen’s efforts, a self-contained passive acoustic recording device called the acoustic rain gauges were deployed all over the world, from a brackish pond in Florida, Carr inlet in Puget Sound, Crater Lake in Oregon, BioSphere II in Arizona, then to the South China Sea, the Pacific Ocean, the Taiwan strait, the Ionian Sea in Greece, the Aleutian Islands and ocean station Papa. This simple device records long-term spectra of sound pressure levels with minimum data screening, could detect the presence of oceanic rainfall, and provide estimates of rain rate and surface wind speed. Nystuen’s inspirational works over the past three decades set an example and path for future scientists and engineers to foster curiosity, pursue exploration and make discoveries.

Body size variability across habitats in the Brachionus plicatilis cryptic species complex

The body size response to temperature is one of the most recognizable but still poorly understood ecological phenomena. Other covarying environmental factors are frequently invoked as either affecting the strength of that response or even driving this pattern. We tested the body size response in five species representing the Brachionus plicatilis cryptic species complex, inhabiting 10 brackish ponds with different environmental characteristics. Principal Component Analysis selected salinity and oxygen concentration as the most important factors, while temperature and pH were less influential in explaining variation of limnological parameters. Path analysis showed a positive interclonal effect of pH on body size. At the interspecific level, the size response was species- and factor-dependent. Under the lack of a natural thermo-oxygenic relationship, the negative response of size to temperature, expected according to ‘size-to-temperature response’ rules, disappeared, but a positive response of size to oxygen, expected according to predictions selecting oxygen as a factor actually driving these rules, remained. Our results confirm the crucial role of oxygen in determining the size-to-temperature patterns observed in the field.

A quantitative method to analyse the sexual development of charophytes (Charophyceae): a baseline for phenological studies

ABSTRACT Traditionally, gametangium morphology has been considered an important feature in the taxonomy of charophytes (family Characeae), although its dimensions change notably with development. We present a methodological approach based on empirical data to describe the development of charophyte sexual organs. This method was tested in Chara hispida, C. aspera and C. canescens from Mediterranean brackish ponds. Five shoots per species and sampling date were collected on 19 dates during 2015 and observed under a stereomicroscope to measure the external diameter of antheridia, and the length and width of oogonia. Gametangial growth adjusted to a logarithmic model (a first period of rapid increase, followed by a slow growth period), with gametangia sizes reaching species-specific maxima. For oogonia, a logarithmic model also described the length-width relationship: a first period of elongation, followed by a swelling process related to ripening. We applied the derivative function to find the point when length and width increased equally. At greater width values (≥420 µm in C. hispida, ≥330 µm in C. aspera, ≥225 µm in C. canescens), width increased faster than length, and oogonia started to swell. Data from a single date, at the most appropriate moment based on the phenology of each species, also provided a good fit and a similar size threshold to distinguish non-swollen from swollen oogonia. This cost-effective method was valid for the three Chara populations, being particularly useful for phenological studies if used in combination with other criteria. We highlight the importance of standardizing these criteria before addressing relevant ecological questions.

The effect of salt concentration on brackish sediment Microbial Fuel Cells

This research aimed to study the effect of salt level on Brackish Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells (SMFCs) regarding the electrical energy generated. Sediments and solutions were taken from the brackish pond in Hutan Kota, Tibang, Banda Aceh City. Although several studies examining the effect of salt content in SMFCs have been carried out, salt usually was added gradually. Meanwhile, salt in this research was directly varied into specific amounts since the first day. The salt level was varied by adding traditional salt found on the local market into sediments and solutions in 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.5%, and 5.0% w/w. Spiral-shape stainless steel wires having 1.25 mm in diameter and 1.1 m in length were used as electrodes. The results showed that the addition of salt into the sediment produced higher electrical energy than the addition into the solution. The most significant electric power density generated by adding 1.0% salt into only the sediment was 18.621x10 -3 W/m 2 . On the other hand, the highest electric power density generated by adding 1.0% salt into the solution was only 6.395x10 -3 W/m 2 . Meanwhile, when salt was added into the sediment and solution simultaneously, the higher electric power density was 20.850x10 -3 W/m 2 , which is found by adding 1.0% salt into the sediment and 2.5% into the solution.

Modern brackish bryostromatolites (\u201cbryoliths\u201d) from Zeeland (Netherlands)

Bryostromatolites are found in stressed environments from the Paleozoic to the Recent. They are formed by alternating layers of bryozoans and microbes. This study investigates recent bryostromatolites in brackish ponds in the Netherlands to better understand ancient analogues and the environments which hosted them. They formed a fringing reef at the site Ronde Weel and a barrier reef at Kaaskenswater. The ponds had low biodiversity with only one bivalve species, two gastropod species, one ostracod species, and three diatom species comprising most of the easily fossilizable taxa; one isopod species, one decapod species, and two polychaete species were also present. Observations of microbial layers and cementation practices indicate that an alternation of bryozoan-favouring conditions and microbe-favouring conditions is essential to forming bryostromatolites. The collected bryostromatolites only had tiny living bryozoan patches. Water tests confirmed a brackish environment but with enriched arsenic and titanium concentrations and periodic euxinia. The extreme environment explains the lack of biodiversity and may provide information about the environments in which past bryostromatolites formed.

The status of spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) as a technologically feasible species for U.S. marine aquaculture

AbstractCulture models and facilities for large‐scale, commercial production of popular Gulf of Mexico species are unavailable. The spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) is one of the most popular recreational fishes in the Gulf of Mexico. Seatrout culture techniques were adapted from red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) protocols developed in the 1970s. Broodstock husbandry, spawning, and extensive pond rearing techniques using fertilized and bloomed brackish ponds were well‐established by the 1980s. By 2018, approximately 80 million 25–30‐day old seatrout had been produced, mainly for stock enhancement. Cannibalism and poor nutrition hindered intensive tank culture. Between 2005 and 2015, an intensive tank‐rearing protocol that reduced cannibalism and intracohort variability and increased average survival to almost 50% was developed using algal concentrate, rotifers, brine shrimp (Artemia sp.), and microencapsulated feeds. Preliminary results suggested that a 500 g fish could be produced in approximately 10 months. Nevertheless, interest in commercialization has remained low. Zootechnical performance throughout the latter stages of culture, the economics of production, consumer preferences/perceptions, and market capacity must be documented to complete the assessment of the spotted seatrout as a species for commercial aquaculture. The optimization of aquafeeds specific for seatrout and a domestication program is warranted to further facilitate industry growth.

Type and Potential Sources of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Coastal Area of Tarakan City, North Borneo, Indonesia

PAHs are mutagenic and carcinogenic agents that influence the coastal water of Tarakan City. This study aims to determine the concentration, type, and distribution of PAHs in waters and sediments of rivers, seawater, and brackish ponds, and their potential sources. Fourteen samples of water and sediment from selected stations obtained 14 types of PAHs priority (USEPA). Analysis using GC-MS Type Thermo Trace 1310 single quadrupole Mass Spectrometer, using Coulum melting silica column (coulumn fused silica) DB5 MS with a length of 30 m, a diameter of 0.32 mm inline. The concentration in sediments at river locations ranges from 0.72-352.84, between 1.23-606.74 in the sea, and brackish ponds 0.08-2858.88 ng.g-1. On the waters ranged from 42.46-160.25 µg.L-1, in the sea 7.95-167.55 µg.L-1 and ponds 7.63-151.60 µg.L-1. The concentration level in rivers and seas is small and in the ponds is small-very high. The concentration on water at the river site was observed to increase from upstream to downstream. Meanwhile in sediment was higher in the upstream decreased towards the middle of river and increased in downstream/estuary area. The concentration in the Tarakan coastal environment signifies the potential hazards to the environment. Components Nap, Fla, Pyr, Chr, and BaP are types that are often identified. Furthermore, two, four and five rings of PAHs were shown to dominate in water and sediment, with the major rings present in both river and brackish pond. The PAHs were both petrogenic and pyrolytic sources from land base sources that were possibly derived from the Pamusian river.

Spatial Distribution and Pollution Assessment of Trace Elements Pb, Cu, Ni, Fe and As in the Surficial Water of Staring Bay, Indonesia

Staring Bay has long been used by the local community for fisheries and fishing activities; however, the rapid population growth and industrial activities around the bay in recent years are predicted to contribute significantly to the increase of waste entering the bay. This particular study was aimed to provide baseline levels of trace elements Pb, Cu, Ni, Fe, and As in this bay. Concentration and spatial distribution of trace elements were analyzed to determine the pollution status of the bay. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to quantify elements content. The concentrations of trace elements varied from 0.049-0.685 µg L-1 (average: 0.261 ± 0.163 µg L-1) for Pb, 0.170-1.278 µg L-1 (0.475 ± 0.252 µg L-1) for Cu, 0.375-1.469 µg L-1 (0.754 ± 0.258 µg L-1) for Ni, 0.544-69.290 µg L-1 (8.036 ± 13.779 µg L-1) for Fe, and 0.952-1.721 µg L-1 (1.366 ± 0.168 µg L-1) for As. The present study suggests that Staring Bay has been highly contaminated by trace elements Pb and Fe relative to their normal oceanic levels. The contaminated areas were found in the estuaries due to terrestrial anthropogenic inputs from industrial and agricultural activities, residential areas and brackish ponds.

Factors Influencing Abundances and Population Size Structure of the Threatened and Endemic Cyprinodont Aphanius iberus in Mediterranean Brackish Ponds

Aphanius iberus is an endemic cyprinodontoid fish species of Mediterranean ponds in danger of extinction. In this study, we studied some abiotic and biotic factors that can influence A. iberus’s size structure and density in Mediterranean brackish ponds. We sampled fish using fyke nets in 10 ponds of Empordà (Spain) during the spring season. Our results showed that a better ecological status (according to the Water Quality of Lentic and Shallow Ecosystems (QAELS) index), pond’s depth and pond’s isolation (reflected by an increase in total nitrogen) were related to larger individual sizes and more size-diverse populations. Increasing the salinity is known to help the euryhaline A. iberus acting as a refuge from competitors. Nevertheless, our results showed that higher conductivities had a negative effect on A. iberus’s size structure, leading to a decrease in the mean and maximum size of the fish. Fish abundance (expressed as captures per unit of effort (CPUE)) seemed to increase with increasing the pond’s depth and total nitrogen (the latter reflecting pond isolation). In conclusion, our results suggest that achieving a better pond ecological status may be important for the conservation of endangered A. iberus, because better size-structured populations (i.e., larger mean and average lengths) were found at higher water quality conditions.

The Pleidae (Hemiptera, Heteroptera) of Thailand, with the descriptions of two new species and a discussion of species from Southeast Asia.

The family Pleidae is represented in Thailand by four species in the genus Paraplea. Two of these species, P. frontalis and P. liturata, are widespread and relatively common in Southeast Asia. Two other species, P. lateromaculata Cook, sp. nov. and P. melanodera Cook, sp. nov., are described and only known from Thailand. Full descriptions are provided for all four species. The distributions of these species are discussed, with an emphasis on Thailand. Paraplea frontalis, P. liturata, and P. lateromaculata Cook, sp. nov. are relatively widespread within Thailand and have overlapping distributions whereas P. melanodera Cook, sp. nov. appears restricted to small brackish ponds near western coastal areas of peninsular Thailand.

Effects of salinity on sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense Crantz) seed germination

Sea level rise threatens coastal peatlands globally, as increased salinity can cause peat collapse and formation of brackish ponds, replacing marshes. Sawgrass, Cladium jamaicense Crantz (Cyperaceae), is the charismatic macrophyte that dominates Everglades marshes (Florida, USA). Sawgrass root growth is reduced by salinity pulses of 20 ppt, impacting soil structure and organic input into coastal peats and possibly leading to coastal marsh loss. The potential for regeneration of coastal sawgrass marsh from seeds depends on how salinity affects sawgrass germination. Although adult sawgrass plants can tolerate salinities of 10–20 ppt in the field, the effect of salinity on seed germination is not known. In this study, sawgrass seeds were exposed to salinities of 0, 5, 15, and 25 ppt and observed weekly for germination over seven months (Oct. 2017-Apr. 2018). Twenty-eight percent of seeds in 0 ppt water germinated, while only 4% of seeds in 5 ppt germinated. Seeds in 15 and 25 ppt salt did not germinate. After 3.6 months, four-fifths of the seedling trays at the two higher salinities were transferred to 0 ppt. Beginning 7 weeks after transfer, 6% (15 ppt) and 3% (25 ppt) of transferred seeds germinated, while seeds remaining at the higher salinities did not. These results indicate that sawgrass seeds have greatly reduced or no germination in elevated salinity. If salinities rise in coastal areas, this lack of germination could prevent coastal sawgrass regeneration from seed, negatively affecting coastlines as sea level continues to rise.

Recovery status of mangroves along western coast of Aceh until 7 years after the 2004 Tsunami

The recovery status of mangroves at west coast of Aceh until 7 years post the Indian Ocean tsunami (IOT) was examined. The field researches were conducted during January 2005 to December 2011 in more than 20 km (1) to record flora species that were resistant to the paroxysm of tsunami swells, and (2) to record and observe the appearance of several existing and new plant species caused by tsunami. The main result shows that (1) mangrove beaches may not recover at all to their original state because the topography has changed greatly and the hydrological and sediment condition differ from their previous conditions, (2) most of mangrove trees dead due to change in habitat environments, (3) some mangrove species in land subsidence coasts were found migrating landward through seed recruitment, naturally, (4) several species of mangroves appear to flourish in the natural stands with mother trees survived against tsunami, (5) new species, for example, Typha angustifolia greatly colonize along the intertidal areas, and (6) Acrostichum aureum (mangrove fern) population occupies an bare lands left by mangrove vegetation communities or abandoned brackish pond. Because mangroves provide bio-shields or natural belts, more lives can possibly be survived during the natural hazard, including tsunamis. Unluckily, due to high market of brackish pond products, severe damage to mangroves was not managed. Therefore, degraded mangroves must be restored and preserved very well in the future.

Optimization of protein extraction from green algae Chaetomorpha sp. by response surface methodology

Green brackish algae Chaetomorpha sp. are easily found in shrimp ponds in Mekong Delta, Vietnam. They can also be co-cultured with shrimps in brackish water shrimp ponds to increase shrimp health and yield. Chaetomorpha sp. algae contain high amount of protein from 10 to 20% w/w db, including water soluble protein and alkaline-soluble protein with over 88% total protein. Dried material were used for protein extraction by using cellulase enzyme (Crestone Conc., Genecor) and NaOH solution. In this research, we optimize the extraction condition of protein from green algae Chaetomorpha sp. by using response surface methodology (RSM). At optimal extraction conditions, dried material was used for protein extraction by using cellulase enzyme (Crestone Conc., Genecor) with the enzyme dosage of 121 UI/g db at 400C during 90 mins. After extraction, the slurry was centrifuged to separate the algae biomass residue to extract the alkaline-soluble protein. The protein extraction yield by using cellulase enzyme was 38.921 mg/g db. After that the, algae biomass residue was extracted by a 1.2% NaOH solution for 78 mins at 500C. The protein extraction yield was 68.651 mg/g db. The total protein extraction yield was 105.755 mg/g db. The extraction yield was increased 10.33% when using the response surface methodology. Concentrated algae protein can be used as a good protein source for food and feed products.