Aquaculture Plant Research Articles

Present scenario and prospects of the use of aquatic plants in aquaculture: a review

Present scenario and prospects of the use of aquatic plants in aquaculture: a review

Microbial characterization of raw biomasses of Alaria esculenta, Chlorella vulgaris, Lemna minor

This study aimed to identify the types of microorganisms present in Alaria esculenta, Chlorella vulgaris, and Lemna minor as well as to characterize the microbial communities in their raw biomasses. The different raw biomass samples were assigned to a total of 35 and 32 classes, respectively, representing different bacterial and fungal phyla. The most common bacterial genera in all raw biomasses were Acinetobacter (11.68%) and Sphingobacterium (5.72%). Cyanobacteria was found to be the most abundant phylum (59.66%) in Chlorella vulgaris, followed by Lemna minor (type 2) (42.08%), Lemna minor (type 1) (35.97%), and Alaria esculenta (type 1) (26.07%). The most prevalent fungal genera in all raw biomasses were Mycosphaerella (31.64%), Cladosporium (5.08%) and Alternaria (3.63%), while Ascomycota was the most abundant phylum (89.04%) in Lemna minor (type 2), followed by Alaria esculenta (type 1) (80.0%), Lemna minor (type 1) (78.84%) and Chlorella vulgaris (67.14%). In addition, a taxonomic comparison was carried out to assess the variations in the microbiota across all samples. Chl. vulgaris and L. minor (type 2) exhibit a high prokaryotic and fungal composition according to the analyses in comparison to the others. Seven and six genera (>1%) dominated the bacterial and fungal communities, respectively, in all the samples according to the next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis. The development of effective measures to ensure the quality and safety of these aquaculture plants for consumption, as well as the improvement of their cultivation, processing, and storage will be greatly aided by these findings.

An update about beneficial effects ofmedicinal plants inaquaculture: Areview.

Aquaculture isanessential and growing component ofagricultural and global ecosystems worldwide. Aquaculture provides more than 25% ofthe total aquatic food consumption byhumans. The development oftheaquaculture industry should befollowed insuccessive industrial years, and therefore itisnecessary topay attention tothe management and type offarming system that iscompatible with the environment. The use ofantibiotics for disease control has been criticised for their negative effects, including the emergence ofantibiotic-resistant bacteria, the suppression ofthe immune system and the environment, and the accumulation ofresidue inaquatic tissues. The use ofthese products reduces the need for treatments, enhances the effect ofvaccines, and, inturn, improves production indicators. Medicinal plants have increasingly been used inrecent years asadisease control strategy inaquaculture, boosting the immune system ofaquatic animals and helping todevelop strong resistance toawide range ofpathogens. Therefore, this review aims toprovide anoverview ofthe recent evidence onthebeneficial use ofmedicinal plants topromote growth and strengthen the immune system infarmed aquatic animals.

Development, characterization, and immunomodulation performance of spray-dried Moringa oleifera seed extract in Longfin yellowtail Seriola rivoliana.

Moringa oleifera is one of the most promising plants in aquaculture because it improves the health status, zootechnical parameters and resistance against diseases. This research evaluates the physicochemical, antioxidant values of spray-dried Moringa oleifera seed extract microencapsulates obtained at 140 and 180°C with whey protein concentrate (WPC) and maltodextrin (MD) as wall materials in two different proportions: WPC 100% and WPC-MD (3:1). Also, immune response of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) of Longfin yellowtail Seriola rivoliana stimulated with spray-dried Moringa oleifera seed for 24h was assessed. The physicochemical parameters show that the recovery yield for all the treatments was of 65% and microencapsulates demonstrated to be stable in the physicochemical tests with low solubilization times and protection against humidity. For WPC-MD (3:1)/140°C, bioactive compound retention and antioxidant potential were higher than in other combinations. The immunological test show that any treatments was non-cytotoxic against peripheral blood leukocytes. WPC-MD (3:1)/140°C treatment enhanced immune parameters as phagocytosis, respiratory burst, myeloperoxidase activities and nitric oxide production. Immune related genes as IL-1β and TNF-α were up-regulated in those stimulated leukocytes with WPC-MD (3:1)/140°C. The results suggest that this combination may be a good alternative for animal health as a medicinal and immunostimulant additive.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Emerging Contaminants with N-Doped TiO2 Using Simulated Sunlight in Real Water Matrices

In the present work, the photodegradation performances of N-doped TiO2 photocatalysts with enhanced absorption of visible light were exploited for the abatement of some representative contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Pristine TiO2 and N-TiO2 were synthesized using hydrothermal (HT) and sol–gel (SG) routes, they were characterized using XRD and UV-Vis spectroscopy, and their band gaps were determined via analysis in diffuse reflectance. Their photodegradation efficiency was tested on a mixture of recalcitrant organic pollutants, namely, benzotriazole, diclofenac, sulfamethoxazole, and bisphenol A, using a solar simulator lamp with two different cut-off filters (λ > 340 nm and λ > 400 nm). The evaluation of the photocatalytic performances was initially carried out in spiked ultrapure water and subsequently in aqueous matrices of increasing complexity such as Po River water and water coming from an aquaculture plant. The exclusive utilization of visible light (λ > 400 nm) highlighted the advantage of introducing the dopant into the TiO2 photocatalyst since this modification allows for the material to be responsive to visible light, which is not sufficient in the case of pristine TiO2 and the higher efficiency of materials obtained via the sol–gel route. Thanks to the doping, improved performance was obtained in both ultrapure water and real water matrices, indicating the potential of the doped material for future applications in the field.

The antiviral activity of currently used medicinal plants in aquaculture and structure–activity relationship of their active ingredients

AbstractAquaculture is an important source of high‐quality protein and plays a crucial role in ensuring global food security. However, viral diseases have caused significant damage to aquaculture production, making it necessary to develop effective measures to treat them. Although drugs are commonly used to treat viral diseases, recent studies have shown that crude extracts of medicinal plants and their active ingredients have potential applications in the treatment of aquatic viral diseases. Furthermore, natural small molecule compounds from herbs could be used as lead compounds to develop more potent anti‐aquatic virus derivatives. As such, there is an urgent need to develop and apply drugs for the treatment of viral disease outbreaks in aquaculture. In this review, we summarize previous studies on the efficacy of different agents used as antiviral drugs in aquaculture, with a focus on their protective effects. Additionally, we highlight the potential of active natural compounds isolated from medicinal plants, which could serve as lead compounds for developing aquatic‐specific drugs. However, the relationship between the structure of a compound and its antiviral activity in aquaculture has not been clearly elucidated, posing a challenge for further drug optimisation. Therefore, this study also analyses the structure–activity relationship of several reported lead compounds and their derivatives in aquaculture, providing a reference for subsequent drug development efforts.

Screen-printed graphite electrode on polyvinyl chloride and parchment strips integrated with genetic programming for in situ nitrate sensing of aquaponic pond water

Nitrate is the primary water-soluble macronutrient essential for plant growth that is converted from excess fish feeds, fish effluents, and degrading biomaterials on the aquaponic pond floor, and when aquacultural malpractices occur, large amounts of it retain in the water system causing increase rate in eutrophication and toxifies fish and aquaculture plants. Recent nitrate sensor prototypes still require performing the additional steps of water sample deionization and dilution and were constructed with expensive materials. In response to the challenge of sensor enhancement and aquaponic water quality monitoring, this study developed sensitive, repeatable, and reproducible screen-printed graphite electrodes on polyvinyl chloride and parchment paper substrates with silver as electrode material and 60:40 graphite powder:nail polish formulated conductive ink for electrical traces, integrated with 9-gene genetic expression model as a function of peak anodic current and electrochemical test time for nitrate concentration prediction that is embedded into low-power Arduino ESP32 for in situ nitrate sensing in aquaponic pond water. Five SPE electrical traces were designed on the two types of substrates. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray confirmed the electrode surface morphology. Electrochemical cyclic voltammetry using 10 to 100 mg/L KNO3 and water from three-depth regions of the actual pond established the electrochemical test time (10.5 s) and electrode potential (0.135 V) protocol necessary to produce peak current that corresponds to the strength of nitrate ions during redox. The findings from in situ testing revealed that the proposed sensors have strong linear predictions (R2 = 0.968 MSE = 1.659 for nSPEv and R2 = 0.966 MSE = 4.697 for nSPEp) in the range of 10 to 100 mg/L and best detection limit of 3.15 μg/L, which are comparable to other sensors of more complex construction. The developed three-electrode electrochemical nitrate sensor confirms that it is reliable for both biosensing in controlled solutions and in situ aquaponic pond water systems.

Scale-Up of an Aquaculture Plant for Reproduction and Conservation of the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus: Development of Post-Larval Feeds

Paracentrotus lividus gonads, often referred to as “roe” or “uni” for gastronomical purposes, are among the most appreciated seafood delicacies in the Mediterranean area and worldwide. However, the increasing demand for human consumption has caused a growing pressure on its wild stocks, prompting the need to develop efficient aquaculture systems for its production. The set-up of effective feeds for various life stages and optimal procedures for breeding post-larvae and adult sea urchins still need to be improved. Here, for the first time, we aim at developing artificial feeds for the post-larvae of P. lividus because a critical step to improve our productive skills is post-larval growth. We tested various natural and prepared components to speed up the growth and enhance the survival rates of post-larvae, while taking into account the abiotic and biotic factors influencing the culture conditions in three replicate sets of tanks, characterized by different volumes. We tested formulated feeds and compared them with the effect of fresh foods in the frame of canonical culture practices. Our results indicated the efficiency of a feed composed of spirulina and Ulva rigida. Statistical analyses demonstrated the positive impact of this diet on the growth of post-larvae, behavior and survival rates. In addition, we demonstrated the efficacy of prepared feeds in the sea urchin aquaculture system, because they facilitated manipulation and control of the culture procedures for the satisfactory growth of P. lividus post-larvae.

Efeitos da poda no desenvolvimento vegetativo e qualidade da biomassa de halófitas perenes cultivadas em aquaponia salina

ABSTRACT The cultivation of vascular plants in aquaculture is becoming increasingly important and saline aquaponics have been centered on plants with a short life cycle (i.e. annual species). However, the cultivation of perennial halophytes can allow to produce biomass year-round by repeated cuttings and regrowth. The present study evaluated the effects of different cutting regimes on the growth and tissue nitrogen uptake of the perennial halophyte Paspalum vaginatum and Salicornia neei cultivated in saline aquaponics. Clarified water from Litopenaeus vannamei cultivation was used as the main source of water and nutrients to grow plants established in Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). In each trial (28 days), three groups of 22 plants were established in different NFT benches and subjected to no cutting, one harvest and two harvests. Cutting regimes applied to both halophytic species did not affect the quality of recirculating water. Tillering and stem elongation of P. vaginatum had increasing trends with augment of cutting frequency. Salicornia neei cut at 28-day intervals produced a larger number of marketable size branches with less lignified shoots than non-cut plants and branchy plants cut every 14 days, which showed the smallest branch size. Individual plants of P. vaginatum and S. neei took up in their tissues between 2.27-2.45 mg/day of N and 4.59-6.43 mg/day of N, respectively. Cutting regimes did not statistically affect the accumulation of nitrogen in the biomass of either halophytic species. One harvest treatment, every 28 days, was considered the most suitable practice for aquaponics production of both halophytes.

Robust control of water quality in intensive aquaculture using multi‐variable quantitative feedback theory: From an Indian context

AbstractThis paper addresses the problem of controlling turbidity, dissolved oxygen, ammonium‐ion concentration, and water‐temperature to maintain the desired water quality in an intensive aquaculture plant. The research is carried out to fit into the present scenario of intensive aquaculture in India. The plant model along with uncertain parameters are derived using physical laws and the data acquired from an aquaculture pond in Assam, India. A pre‐compensated multi‐variable quantitative feedback theory (QFT)‐based fully populated robust matrix controller is proposed to mitigate the control challenge. A novel method is used to design the pre‐compensator to enhance the diagonal dominance of plant transfer function matrix. The desired robust stability, reference tracking, and sensitivity specifications are fulfilled by the proposed QFT‐based robust controller despite the parametric uncertainty. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through numerical simulation. A comparative study against a controller shows that the proposed controller strategy gives a satisfactory performance compared to it.

Magnetic polymer particles as a highly efficient and facile cleanup adsorbent for multi-pesticide residues analysis in aquatic products

A novel and efficient sample pretreatment procedure using magnetic particles was exploited for the determination of multi-pesticide residues in aquatic products. The magnetic adsorbent was prepared using divinyl benzene and N-vinyl pyrrolidone as functional monomers modified on the Fe3O4 @SiO2. The obtained magnetic adsorbent, octadecylsilane sorbents, and graphitized carbon black were employed as effective adsorbents to remove matrix interferences in aquatic products, and their dosages were optimized. Satisfactory levels of accuracy and precision were procured under optimum conditions. The method limits of quantification ranged from 0.1 to 2.0 μg/kg. The analytical accuracy of the developed method for the analysis of multi-pesticide residues in freshwater and seafood products was validated. It was found to be suitable for the analysis of multi-pesticide residues in different types of aquatic products. Additionally, the method was successfully applied for the analysis of pesticide residues in fish samples obtained from aquaculture plants located in Zhejiang Province, China. The detected concentrations of pesticides ranged from 0.14 to 0.95 μg/kg. In general, this method shows promising application prospects for the rapid determination of multi-pesticide residues in aquatic products.

Bioremediation Capabilities of Hymeniacidon perlevis (Porifera, Demospongiae) in a Land-Based Experimental Fish Farm

The expansion of aquaculture practices in coastal areas can alter the balance of microbial communities in nearby marine ecosystems with negative impacts on both farmed and natural species, as well as on human health through their consumption. Among marine filter-feeder invertebrates, poriferans are known as effective microbial bioremediators, even though they are currently still underutilized in association with fish mariculture plants. In this study, we investigate the microbial bioremediation capability of the demosponge Hymeniacidon perlevis in an experimental land-based fish farm where this species occurred consistently in the drainage conduit of the wastewater. Microbiological analyses of cultivable vibrios, total culturable bacteria (37 °C), fecal and total coliforms, and fecal enterococci were carried out on the fish farm wastewater in two sampling periods: autumn and spring. The results showed that H. perlevis is able to filter and remove all the considered bacterial groups from the wastewater, including human potential pathogens, in both sampling periods. This finding sustains the hypothesis of H. perlevis use as a bioremediator in land-based aquaculture plants as well.

Ultrasonic monitoring of early larval development of fish in tanks. Case study: Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

Swimbladder inflation is a significant matter in intensive fish farming, since it is related to larval survival rate and the morphological quality of individuals. In this work, we propose a non-invasive acoustic technique using ultrasound to monitor the swimbladder development of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) in tanks. The fundamental hypothesis is that, due to the high acoustic contrast of gas, the swimbladder’s inflation process can be detected by measuring the larvae’s target strength during their early development. Backscatter numerical models using the finite element method, developed from biological measurement data, were applied to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed method. The acoustic measurements were obtained using an EK60 Simrad echosounder working at 200 kHz. The target strength values were evidenced with and without the presence of a developed swimbladder, showing a statistically significant relationship with the swimbladder’s standard length, area and the percentage of larvae with a swimbladder. The experiments were carried out in the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO)’s marine aquaculture plant at Mazarrón (Murcia, Spain).

Biology, ecology and management perspectives of overexploited deposit-feeders sea cucumbers, with focus on Holothuria tubulosa (Gmelin, 1788)

The increasing harvesting of low trophic level organisms is rising concern about the possible consequences on the ecosystem functioning. In particular, the continuous demand of sea cucumbers from the international market lead to the overexploitation of either traditionally harvested and new target species, including the Mediterranean ones. Sea cucumbers are mostly deposit feeders able to consume sedimentary organic matter and, thus, are ideal candidate for the remediation of eutrophicated sediments, like those beneath aquaculture plants. Breeding and restocking of overexploited sea cucumbers populations are well established practice for Indo-Pacific species like Holothuria scabra and Apostichopus japonicus. Some attempts have been also made for the Mediterranean species Holothuria tubulosa, but, so far, the adaptation of protocols used for other species presented several issues. We here summarize narratively the available information about sea cucumbers rearing protocols with the aim of identifying their major flaws and gaps of knowledge and fostering research about new triggers for spawning and feasible protocols to reduce the high mortality of post-settlers.

A tidally driven fjord-like strait close to an amphidromic region

Abstract. The strait studied in this paper, “Sundalagið Norður”, is the northern part of a narrow body of seawater separating the two largest islands in the Faroe Islands (Faroes). It has shallow sills in both ends and considerably deeper waters in between. South of the southern end of the strait there is an amphidromic region for the semidiurnal tides so that the tidal range is much lower south of the strait than north of it. The resulting tidal forcing generates periodically varying inflow of seawater across the northern sill, but only a part of that manages to cross the narrow and shallow southern sill. Combined with a large input of freshwater, this gives the strait a fjord-like character. To investigate how this fjord-like character affects the circulation within the strait and its exchanges with outside waters, a pilot project was initiated to simulate the dynamics of the strait with a high-resolution ocean model for a month. The model simulations show clearly the dominance of tidal forcing over freshwater (estuarine) and wind on timescales up to a day. On longer timescales, the simulations indicate systematic variations in the net flows (averaged over a diurnal tidal period) through both the upper and deeper layers. These long-period variations of net flow in the model simulations are forced by sea level differences between both ends of the strait generated by the dominant fortnightly and monthly tidal constituents (Mf, MSf, Mm, MSm). Harmonic analysis of sea level records from two tide gauges located off each end of the strait demonstrates that this behaviour is not a model artefact and it has pronounced effects on the strait. Not only does it induce long-period (mainly fortnightly) variations in the net flow through the strait, but it also generates variations in the estuarine characteristics. According to the model simulations, periods with net southward flow, typically lasting a week, have a strait-like character with net southward flow almost everywhere. Periods with net northward flow, in contrast, have a more fjord-like character with stronger salinity stratification and a southward counter-flow in the deep layer. This also induces a large difference in renewal rate of the deep water between the two periods, which is important to consider for human utilization of the strait, especially the local aquaculture plant. The combination of topographic, freshwater, and tidal characteristics creating these long-period variations is rather unusual, and it is not known whether similar systems exist elsewhere, but the long-period variations tend to be masked by the stronger semidiurnal and diurnal variations and may easily be overlooked.

The role of currently used medicinal plants in aquaculture and their action mechanisms: A review

AbstractGlobal aquaculture development increased rapidly in recent years, and the sector has become one of the fastest‐growing industries in the animal‐derived food production system. However, disease outbreak remains a major challenge that hinders sustainable production through an advanced level of intensification. Recently, antibiotics applied have been restricted globally against aquatic disease outbreaks due to their apparent accumulation in the tissues, which imposes on the development of resistant bacteria. Naturally available medicinal plants were tested to combat some pathogens affecting humans and animals, as they contain a wide range of active substances that can induce biological functions. Currently, medicinal plants are being tested in aquaculture as a safe and eco‐friendly substance to modulate immune status, enhance growth performance and prevent fish disease. Moreover, different parts (e.g. leaf, flower and rhizome) and forms (e.g. crude, extract and active ingredient) of plants are used to modulate specific biological functions (e.g. growth promoter, anti‐stress, immunostimulants, appetite stimulation, antibacteria, anti‐parasite and anti‐virus). Medicinal plants are also used to defend the aquaculture animal from external stressors, such as poor water quality, high environmental temperature and overcrowding. This paper aims to provide information on the role of currently used medicinal plants on aquaculture animals and their action mechanisms. In conclusion, the current review suggested that the utilisation of medicinal plants remained untapped in uncovering the biological activities of active substances against a variety of diseases across diverse species of aquaculture animals.

Role of Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb. in shrimp and fish: a mini review

Medicinal plants have been commonly used in aquaculture to increase growth and immunity and control fish diseases as an effort to replace or as alternative to uses of chemical antibiotics and compounds. The use of medicinal plants in aquaculture provides safe and environmentally friendly compounds. Natural products of medicinal plants have been used in humans for thousands of years to treat disease. One of them is Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb. This article describes the potential of E. bulbosa as an antibacterial, prebiotic, and antioxidant as well as its efficacy on aquatic organisms. Addition of extracts and powders of E. bulbosa through feed to white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei was able to improve growth performance, immune response, and resistance against infection from pathogenic bacteria. Optimal use of E. bulbosa needs to pay attention to dose and size of shrimp cultured. So far, administration of E. bulbosa powder through feed was more effective and efficient than the use of E. bulbosa extract in a large scale. Research on E. bulbosa as an immunostimulant in fish is still limited. Further research on the use of E. bulbosa should be conducted to examine the effect of E. bulbosa on growth performance and fish health on a large scale aquaculture.

A method for the validation of measurements collected by different monitoring systems applied to aquaculture processing plants

In recent years, the agricultural sector has taken advantage of real time monitoring, particularly in delicate systems such aquaculture plants. In this context there is a need to develop integrated systems for sustainable production of both vegetable crops and fish. Since a monitoring system able to collect all the involved metrics is not available on the market, a specific monitoring system called ISMaCS (Integrated Smart Monitoring and Control System) has been designed and developed to collect and analyse relevant data. A method is proposed for the validation of the measurements collected by ISMaCS based on comparisons between the data series collected by investigated and reference sensors. Firstly, experiments has been carried out recording with sensors, parameters and an indicator, called Distance between Measurements (DbM) that has been defined and calculated. DbM has been compared to two thresholds to test the sensor reliability. The first, the Identical Reference Value (IRV) was based on the characteristics of the reference sensor, whilst the second, the Acceptability Reference Value (ARV), was selected on the basis of the precision required by the application. Specifically, DbM showed that if the precision of the investigated sensor was suitable for a specific application, it quantifies the reliability of the measurements and can be used as a tool to compare and rank different sensors measuring the same metrics. • A method for the experimental measurements validation is proposed. • The indicator called Distance between Measurements (DbM) is used for the validation. • DbM shows if the precision of a sensor is suitable for an experimental test. • DbM can quantify, compare and rank different sensors measuring the same metrics. • The method confirms the sensors used in SIMTAP project are validated and reliable.

Eco-efficiency assessment of shrimp aquaculture production in Mexico

Globally, human society faces the challenge of providing food to a growing population, at the same time that the effects of climate change and resource depletion must be addressed. Aquaculture allows to ensure a safe supply of different marine species and is a major technological and biological undertaking. Taking into account that in Sonora (Mexico), there are more than 200 aquaculture plants, the analysis of this sector implies a joint and harmonized assessment, considering not only life cycle assessment (LCA), but also data envelopment analysis (DEA). This study focuses on the application of LCA + DEA methodology to assess the ecoefficiency of 38 semi-intensive shrimp farms located in the state of Sonora. LCA results showed that feed management and electricity consumption are the main critical points in almost all the impact categories. Further improvement actions were evaluated, the replacement of wheat meal for Dried Distiller Grains with Solubles (DDGS) resulted in environmental impact reductions ranged from 2% to 57%, depending on the impact category. On the other hand, the installation of photovoltaic panels in the area was evaluated, looking for a shift towards a less carbon-intensive energy production. Overall, the implementation of these improvement measures will contribute to increased environmental protection and resource efficiency.

Dietary effect of moringa (Moringa oleifera; Lamarck, 1785) leaf powder on growth response of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus; Linnaeus, 1758)

Management of fish health is one of the main considerations in aquaculture and different plant compounds are being used for supporting fish health to minimize the negative impacts of synthetic aqua drugs. In the present experiment, potentiality of moringa (Moringa oleifera; Lamarck, 1785) leaf as a nutritious dietary source for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus; Linnaeus, 1758) fish was tested and the duration was two months from 30th September to 30th November, 2020. The moringa leaves were brought, cleaned, dried, and finally crushed into powder. Three experimental diets were formulated using the processed moringa leaf powder (MLP) at the rate of 0% (MLP0%) as control, 10% (MLP10%) and 20% (MLP20%) as treatment mixing with rice bran, wheat bran, mustard oil cake, fish meal, soya oil and vitamin-mineral premix. Fifteen tilapia fingerlings having average initial length 10.88±0.11 cm and initial weight 29.06±0.50 g was stocked in each tank with 90 L water. Sixty days feeding trial was performed with three replications of each treatment. The fishes were fed with formulated feeds twice daily at 9 am and 4 pm at a rate of 3% of their body mass. Sampling of fish and water quality parameters were carried out at twelve days interval. Moreover, the blood glucose and cholesterol of tilapia were measured monthly. Final length, final weight, weight gain, percent weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR) and production of tilapia were significantly different among the treatments. The highest FCR (3.17±0.25) and SGR (1.33±0.12 %) values were in MLP20% and MLP10%, respectively. In the experiment, the highest and the lowest tilapia production were 9.21±0.39 and 7.39±0.35 kg m-3 in MLP10% and MLP20%, respectively. The blood glucose values were significantly different among the treatments (p< 0.05) and the highest value was in MLP0% (48.00±2.00 mg dl-1). Moreover, the highest and the lowest blood cholesterol was found in MLP0% (177.67±2.52 mg dl-1) and MLP20% (148.33±1.53 mg dl-1), respectively whereas the values were highly significantly different among the treatments (p≤ 0.01). Water quality parameters were statistically similar among the treatments (p> 0.05) and the values were within acceptable range for tilapia culture. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2021, 7 (2), 153-163