Plankton In Ponds Research Articles

Influence of artificial light at night on pond plankton community with special reference to seasonal succession: A pilot study

Artificial Light at Night has been shown to have various effects on aquatic communities in various habitats. Planktonic organisms are an integral part of extensive and semi-intensive carp culture ponds and play the role of food organisms for many aquaculture species in the pond ecosystem. Therefore, a study has been conducted to understand how the practice of artificial illumination for security purposes after dark affects the plankton community of aquaculture ponds. The plankton diversity and density in illuminated and non-illuminated carp polyculture ponds at the Instructional Fish Farm of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, in the Terai region of Uttarakhand, India, was studied from November 2019 to March 2020, to determine the influence of ALAN on the seasonal succession of the community. The study reveals that artificial illumination influences the plankton density, diversity as well as the stage of fall and spring seasonal succession in these ponds.

KONDISI PLANKTON PADA TAMBAK UDANG WINDU (Penaeus monodon FABRICIUS) DENGAN SUBSTRAT BERBEDA

Plankton is one of water microorganisms that plays an important role as natural food for fish and shrimp and as an stability indicator of water or aquatic environment.The purpose of this study was to determine the composition and abundance of plankton in tiger shrimp ponds using concrete ponds without substrate, concrete ponds using sand substrate and ponds. Sampling of plankton and water quality was carried out from March to July 2016 at PunagaTakalar Experimental Pond at 6 ponds consisted of concrete ponds without 2 subplot of sand (pond A) and concrete pond with 2 subplate sand subplate (pond B) respectively measuring 1,000 m2 and a 2-square-meter plot of 2,500–3,000 m2 (pond C). The results showed that plankton abundance in pond A ranged from 37–349 individuals/L, pond B ranged from 35–1,399 individuals/L and pond C ranged from 54–999 individuals/L. The most common phytoplankton genera in this study was Oscillatoria while for zooplankton is of Acartia. The diversity of plankton in ponds A, B and C is included in the community of unstable to moderate biota. In general, the diversity of plankton in pond B is included in the community of moderate biota. The plankton uniformity index in pond A, pond B and pond C is generally close to 1 this indicates that the existence of plankton species in the three ponds is relatively even.

Herbivory enhances the diversity of primary producers in pond ecosystems.

Diversity of primary producer is often surprisingly high, despite few limiting factors such as nutrients and light to facilitate species coexistence. In theory, the presence of herbivores could increase the diversity of primary producers, resolving this "paradox of the plankton." Little experimental evidence supports this natural enemies hypothesis, but previous tests suffer from several deficiencies. Previous experiments often did not allow for multigeneration effects; utilized low diversity assemblages of herbivores; and limited opportunities for new primary producer and herbivore species to colonize and undergo species sorting that favors some species over others. Using pond plankton, we designed a mesocosm experiment that overcame these problems by allowing more time for interactions over multiple generations, openness to allow new colonists, and manipulated higher diversity of primary producers and grazers than have previous studies. With this design, the presence of zooplankton grazers doubled phytoplankton richness. The additional phytoplankton species in grazed mesocosms were larger, and therefore likely more grazer resistant. Furthermore, phytoplankton richness in grazed mesocosms was similar to that observed in natural ponds whereas it was much lower in mesocosms without grazers. However, stoichiometric imbalance caused by variation in nitrogen:phosphorus ratios and light supply did not alter phytoplankton richness. Therefore, grazers enhanced primary producer richness more strongly than ratios of nutrient supply (even though both grazing and ratios of resource supply altered composition of primary producer assemblages). Taken together, these experimental and field data show that grazing from a diverse assemblage of herbivores greatly elevated richness of phytoplankton producers in pond ecosystems.

Channel Catfish Polyculture with Fathead Minnows or Threadfin Shad: Effects on Pond Plankton Communities and Catfish Fillet Flavor, Color, and Fatty Acid Composition

Threadfin shad, Dorosoma petenense, or fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas, were co‐cultured with channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, in earthen ponds to determine the effects of planktivory on plankton community dynamics and catfish fillet quality. Fathead minnows had no effect on the plankton community structure or catfish fillet flavor, color, and fatty acid composition. Fillet color was also unaffected by the presence of threadfin shad. Small differences were found in fillet fatty acid composition for catfish from ponds with shad, but these differences probably have no biological significance. Threadfin shad did, however, have important impacts on the plankton community structure and catfish flavor. Size‐selective filter‐feeding by shad reduced cyanobacterial abundance relative to ponds with catfish‐only and fathead minnows. Relative abundance of smaller phytoplankton in the groups Chlorophyta, Cryptophyta, Bacillariophyceae, and Euglenophyta increased in ponds with shad. Relative abundance of small zooplankton (rotifers) also increased in shad ponds. Reduced abundance of large, colonial cyanobacteria that are known to produce odorous metabolites caused a corresponding reduction in off‐flavor prevalence and intensity in catfish from ponds with threadfin shad when sampled in September. Although threadfin shad dramatically reduced catfish off‐flavor prevalence during the warm season, they apparently caused a high prevalence of “fishy” off‐flavors in the February sample. This undesirable flavor appeared to be caused by catfish foraging on shad killed during a preceding period of exceptionally cold water temperatures. Use of threadfin shad for phytoplankton biomanipulation therefore presents a dilemma: catfish–shad polyculture reduces prevalence of cyanobacteria‐related off‐flavors in warm months but may cause undesirable forage‐related off‐flavors in the colder months. Catfish farmers must consider these benefits and risks when deciding to use threadfin shad as a management tool.

Lipid content and composition in common carp - optimization of n-3 fatty acids in different pond production systems

Summary This study examined whether the lipid composition of common carp muscle can be improved and become an important source of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) in human nutrition. Carp from three pond production systems in South Bohemia were given access to plankton, plankton with the addition of cereals, or pellets containing rapeseed cake suggested to enhance lipid nutritional value. White muscle fatty acid composition was investigated and compared among treatments. Fish with no supplements were characterized by a high content of n-3 HUFA, especially eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fish supplemented with rapeseed pellets had a moderate n-3 HUFA level, while those supplemented with cereals were characterized by a high oleic acid content and low level of n-3 fatty acids. The pond plankton populations contained high proportions of n-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, with an n-3/n-6 ratio around three. In summary, the rapeseed-based pellet resulted in a more polyunsaturated lipid composition of the fish flesh, also with regard to n-3 fatty acids. The conclusion is that the novel rapeseed-based supplement is beneficial to human health.

Species dispersal rates alter diversity and ecosystem stability in pond metacommunities

Metacommunity theory suggests that relationships between diversity and ecosystem stability can be determined by the rate of species dispersal among local communities. The predicted relationships, however, may depend upon the relative strength of local environmental processes and disturbance. Here we evaluate the role of dispersal frequency and local predation perturbations in affecting patterns of diversity and stability in pond plankton metacommunities. Pond metacommunities were composed of three mesocosm communities: one of the three communities maintained constant "press" predation from a selective predator, bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus); the second community maintained "press" conditions without predation; and the third community experienced recurrent "pulsed" predation from bluegill sunfish. The triads of pond communities were connected at either no, low (0.7%/d), or high (20%/d) planktonic dispersal. Richness and composition of zooplankton and stability of plankton biomass and ecosystem productivity were measured at local and regional spatial scales. Dispersal significantly affected diversity such that local and regional biotas at the low dispersal rate maintained the greatest number of species. The unimodal local dispersal-diversity relationship was predator-dependent, however, as selective press predation excluded species regardless of dispersal. Further, there was no effect of dispersal on beta diversity because predation generated local conditions that selected for distinct community assemblages. Spatial and temporal ecosystem stability responded to dispersal frequency but not predation. Low dispersal destabilized the spatial stability of producer biomass but stabilized temporal ecosystem productivity. The results indicate that selective predation can prevent species augmentation from mass effects but has no apparent influence on stability. Dispersal rates, in contrast, can have significant effects on both species diversity and ecosystem stability at multiple spatial scales in metacommunities.

Seasonal trophic dynamics affect zooplankton community variability

Summary1. The degree to which communities are variable may be affected by the ecological conditions to which they are exposed and can affect their propensity to form alternative states. We examined the influence of two common ecological factors, predation and seasonal successional stage, on the variability in community composition of herbivorous pond plankton. In a highly replicated, two factor, mesocosm experiment we determined whether beta diversity was affected by seasonal successional stage of the community (two levels), by fish predation (presence/absence) or by their interaction.2. Several significant changes were found in the composition of the rotifer, cladoceran and copepod assemblages. Most cladoceran abundances showed sharp declines in the presence of fish, while some rotifers, as well as their assemblage species richness, responded favourably to fish. The copepod assemblage was composed of omnivorous and carnivorous species, which added invertebrate predation to the experiment and which intensified as the season progressed. Copepods showed responses to fish predation that depended on seasonal successional stage of the initial community, because of changes in their stage structure and edibility as they grew from nauplii to adults.3. Community variability was consistently high at the end of each month‐long experimental period for both cladoceran and rotifer assemblages, except under two conditions. In the early season treatments, the rotifer assemblages were more consistent (lower beta diversity) in the presence of fish. This was attributed to high population growth rates for rotifers under these ecological conditions because of reduced copepod predation on them through a trophic cascade from fish. Low community variability was also observed in the late season for rotifers when fish were excluded and, as a result, they were exposed to high invertebrate predation from cyclopoid copepods.4. Results from the early season support theoretical predictions that when community size increases, variability in composition should decline because of an increase in competitive processes over stochastic ones. Late season results suggest that a second mechanism, specialist predation, can also reduce prey community variability. Our study demonstrates that plankton communities may be more predictable under certain trophic web configurations and challenges ecologists to find ways to incorporate such inherent variability into experiments and community theory.

Stoichiometric relationships in vernal pond plankton communities

Summary1. The light‐nutrient hypothesis (LNH) predicts that changes in light supply can alter the balance of nutrient and energy limitation in primary producers. We tested this prediction by examining temporal changes in vernal forest ponds, which are highly dynamic systems with respect to seasonal change in light and nutrient supply. In three vernal ponds that differ in productivity, we measured changes in light, total and seston nitrogen and phosphorus, and seston carbon and chlorophyll during the spring, before and after tree leaf‐out. We also quantified changes in the population dynamics of the major zooplankton grazers in these systems.2. In each pond, nutrient levels increased and light levels declined, creating a temporal shift in light‐nutrient supply to the plankton. Results generally supported predictions of stoichiometric theory and the LNH, but there were notable exceptions.3. Seston C : N : P ratios rapidly changed in response to dramatic increases in N and P supply rates. However, seston N : P was typically lower than values for total N : P in the water. Furthermore, as predicted, we observed a decline in seston C : P as the light : nutrient ratio declined, but seston C : N simultaneously increased. These results suggest an unexpected shift towards potential nitrogen limitation. Alternatively, this change in nutrient ratios may be driven by a seasonal change in phytoplankton composition or nutritional mode.4. Seston carbon concentrations remained stable despite seasonal changes in grazing intensity associated with the phenology of large‐bodied Daphnia grazers. However, chlorophyll concentrations declined dramatically as the season progressed, resulting in a simultaneous decline in the C : Chlorophyll ratio of seston. Both pond shading and increased grazing probably contributed to the decline in chlorophyll.

Effects of Atrazine Drift on Production Pond Plankton Communities and Water Quality Using Experimental Mesocosms

Effects of Atrazine Drift on Production Pond Plankton Communities and Water Quality Using Experimental Mesocosms

A Preliminary Observation on Water Quality and Plankton of an Earthen Fish Pond in Bangladesh: Recommendations for Future Studies

The present study provides a characterization of water quality and plankton samples in earthen fish pond in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Sampling was done over a period of six months, running from October, 2004 through March, 2005. All the water quality parameters were within the optimal ranges for plankton productivity. Temperatures varied from 19.75 to 27.25 degrees C; transparency, 24.75-29.50 cm; pH, 6.62-7.85; Dissolved Oxygen (DO), 3.87-5.85 mg L(-1); free CO2 5.25-7.25 mg L(-1) and bicarbonate (HCO3) alkalinity, 81.25-147.5 mg L(-1). Analyses of plankton samples recorded a total of 5 classes phytoplankton viz.; Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Dinophyceae, Euglenophyceae and 2 classes of zooplankton; Crustacea and Rotifera. The phytoplankton population was comprised of 17 genera belonging to Cyanophyceae (5 classes, 34.47%), Bacillariophyceae (3, 13.87%), Cyanophyceae (3, 34.48%), Euglenophyceae (3, 10.68%) and 1 to Dinophyceae (6.50%). The zooplankton population consisted of 10 genera belonging to Rotifera (4, 40.13%) and Crustacea (6, 59.87%). Phytoplankton and zooplankton abundance varied from 60800 to 239400 units/l and 7620 to 12160 units/l, respectively. It is concluded that the phytoplankton groups provide the main support for earthen pond aquaculture in the pond compared to zooplankton classes. The information provides for more research to compare water quality and pond plankton characteristics in earthen aquaculture systems with and without fish stocking. Further studies on the seasonal changes of water quality parameters and its effects on plankton production in the fish ponds and all year extended monitoring is recommended in future studies.

Structural Parameters of Bacterial Plankton in Ponds with High Contents of Mineral Nitrogen

Structural Parameters of Bacterial Plankton in Ponds with High Contents of Mineral Nitrogen

Effects of diuron and other aerially applied cotton herbicides and defoliants on the plankton communities of aquaculture ponds

Seven aerially applied cotton herbicides and defoliants were tested for possible adverse impacts on pond phytoplankton and zooplankton and critical water quality variables. Treatments simulated direct spraying of ponds and high and low amounts of drift judged able to reach the pond, 1/10 and 1/100 direct rates, respectively. The study was conducted in twelve 500-l outdoor pool mesocosms filled with pond water from an adjacent goldfish Carassius auratus culture pond. Plankton and water quality samples were taken just prior to application and at 24 and 48 h after application. Sampling for chemicals showing effects were continued approximately weekly until oxygen levels in drift treatments returned to no significant difference from control. Chemicals tested and direct rates (kg active ingredient ha −1) were diuron as herbicide (1.4), paraquat (0.83), quizalofop (0.05), dimethipin (0.15), diuron as defoliant (0.1675), ethephon (0.176), tribufos (0.99) and sodium chlorate (5.28). Except for the diuron compounds, the cotton herbicides and defoliants produced no measurable impacts on pond plankton or associated water quality. Following application on March 5 of diuron, used as an herbicide, chlorophyll a levels and photosynthesis were significantly depressed in relation to diuron concentration. Recovery occurred slowly, and at the high drift dosage by week 3 morning oxygen levels returned to near control levels, although chlorophyll a levels were 1/3 the control. However, the off-flavor cyanobacterium, Anabaena laevendri, was essentially eliminated by week 3; and pH and thus un-ionized ammonia were much lower in high drift treatments. Copepod adult and nauplii zooplankton levels were depressed at week 2. However, rotifer numbers increased in the low drift treatment in weeks 3 and 4 and those of copepod nauplii in week 3. Fall application of diuron, as a defoliant at 1/10 the spring rate, produced similar effects when compared by concentration. The main adverse impact of diuron drift is on dissolved oxygen levels and can be anticipated by provision of adequate aeration capacity.

PEMANTAUAN PLANKTON DAN KUALITAS AIR TAMBAK UDANG WINDU INTENSIVE DI LAHAN PASIR PANTAI

A research was conducted in intensive ponds of shrimp (Penaeousmonodon) culture located in sandy coastal area Pandansimo, Bantul Regency. Shrimp was cultured in two ponds (± 3.600 m2 each). The bottom of the first pond was 5-10 cm of soil. The second pond used sand originated from the coastal area as the bottom. Shrimps were cultured in the two ponds for 4.5 months. During the culture, plankton and water quality of ponds was observed for 3 times, namely on early, middle and final of shrimp culture.Result of the experiment indicated that 1). Density of plankton in both increased during shrimps culture; 2). Density of plankton in the pond with soil bottom was higher than in that of the pond with sand bottom; 3). The productivity of ponds increased; 4). As higher plankton density increase the absorption of NH4 and PO4, the availability of these nutrient gradually lowered; 5). Species composition of plankton in ponds with soil bottom was dominated by Spirulina sp. Brachionus sp., and Chlorella sp.; 6) In addition species composition of plankton in ponds with sand bottom was dominated by., Brachionus sp., Chlorella sp., Spirulinasp., and Cyclotella sp.; 7) During shrimp culture, the water qualities of the ponds were commonly in the optimal condotions for shrimp; 8) Water quality for the first three months of culture generally was suitable for shrimp culture both in pond with soil and sand bottom. However, after 90 days of culture, the dissolved oxygen in ponds with soil and sand bottom ranged from 2.0 to 3.0 mg/l, which was unsuitable for shrimp culture; 9) The production, survival rates and average body weights of shrimp were 3.18 ton/ha, 12.23 g and 42.3% from pond with soil bottom, and 3.51 ton/ha, 14.43g and 43.38% from pond with sand bottom, respectively.

Effects of common aerially applied rice herbicides on the plankton communities of aquaculture ponds

Ten common aerially applied herbicides for rice were tested for possible adverse impacts on pond phytoplankton and zooplankton and critical water quality variables. Treatments simulated direct spraying of ponds and amounts of drift judged able to reach the pond at 1/10 and 1/100 direct rates. The study was conducted in 12, 500-l outdoor pool mesocosms. Pond water from an adjacent baitfish rearing pond was used. Water quality measurements were made prior to application and at 24 and 48 h after application. Commercial compounds tested and direct rates in kg active ingredient ha −1 were clomazone (0.6), thiobencarb (3.4), pendamethalin (1.1), propanil-dry, flowable (4.5), quinclorac (0.6), halosulfuron (0.07), bensulfuron methyl (0.07), triclopyr (0.4), 2,4- d-amine (1.7), and molinate (5.6). In addition, propanil was evaluated in a second application scenario at the same rates and to the same pond water sample as the initial application. Except for propanil, the rice herbicides produced no measurable effect on pond plankton or associated water quality. Following the first application at full rate for propanil, morning oxygen levels were reduced to critical levels (below 3 mg/l) for 2 days. After a second application of propanil at the full and 1/10 rates, oxygen levels were not decreased, although there were significant increases in chlorophyll a and zooplankton concentrations.

Evaluation of effects of common aerially-applied soybean herbicides and propanil on the plankton communities of aquaculture ponds

Eight, common, aerially-applied herbicides for soybeans and the rice herbicide propanil were tested for possible adverse impacts on pond phytoplankton productivity, Zooplankton populations and critical water quality variables. Treatments simulated direct spraying of ponds and bracketed amounts of drift judged able to reach the pond at 1 10 and 1 100 direct rates. The study was conducted in 12, 500-1 outdoor pool mesocosms. Pond water was pumped from an adjacent fingerling rearing pond. Water quality measurements were made prior to application and at 24 and 48 h after application. Commercial compounds tested and full rates (kg active ha −1) were fomasefen, aciflourfen and glyphosate (0.43); bentazon (0.57); imazaquin (0.14); fluazifop (0.10); clethodim (0.07); chlorimuron (0.0045); and propanil (0.45 kg). Ten of 1152 soybean herbicide means significantly differed and without pattern. Thus, these herbicides were judged not to affect pond plankton or associated water quality. Propanil at the full rate reduced primary productivity and morning oxygen to critical levels for 3 days.

Effect of larval walleye ( Stizostedion vitreum) and fertilization on the plankton community: implications for larval fish culture

Plankton abundance which greatly affects larval fish growth and survival can be regulated by fish predation and nutrient input. In this study, we examined community effects of larval walleye and fertilizer type on plankton in ponds involving three densities (0, 250 000, and 500 000 fish/ha) of larval walleye ( Stizostedion vitreum) and two fertilizer types (inorganic or organic). Walleye survival was not affected by fish density or fertilizer type, and more fish yield was gained in high fish density ponds. The best fish growth was obtained in ponds with low fish density and inorganic fertilizer. As fish density increased, the abundances of Daphnia, Diaptomus and nauplii, Secchi depth, NH 3-N, NO 3-N and chironomids were reduced, whereas primary productivity, Scenedesmus, flagellates, colonial algae, Anabaena, rotifers and pH were enhanced. Compared to organic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer increased the levels of primary productivity, algal abundance, dissolved oxygen, pH and total phosphorus. Inorganic liquid fertilizer with N:P ratio at 20:1 and a stocking density of 250 0005̄00 000 fry/ha is recommended for larval walleye culture. The stocking and fertilization protocol for larval walleye culture could be applied to the larval culture of other planktivorous fish species.

Effects of pyraclofos (an organophosphorous insecticide) on nutrient enriched ecosystems

Bag type floating microcosms were used to study the effects of an organophosphorous insecticide, pyraclofos on a pond plankton community. To amplify the effects one group of bags was enriched with nitrate and phosphorus, which brought about increases in phytoplankton and subsequently zooplankton. The enrichment also changed water quality conditions such as dissolved oxygen and pH. Higher densities of phytoplankton enhanced the break down of the insecticide. The insecticide generally suppressed zooplankton population growuth but some species increased during the course of the experiment due to the interspecies interactions. The altered zooplankton densities facilitated the outbreak of certain species of phytoplankton which otherwise might have been heavily grazed. This outbreak occurred regardless of nutrient enrichment, although enrichment generally increased the density of most phytoplankton species.

Ongoing activities on new reference materials: pond plankton

Ongoing activities on new reference materials: pond plankton

The Role of Tubificid Oligochaetes in the Transmission of Goussia carpelli

Tubifex tubifex and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, fed intestinal tissue of carp containing oocysts of Goussia carpelli, produced infections in laboratory-reared carp. Sporocysts ingested by the tubificids released the sporozoites that were found to be motile in the intestinal contents and incorporated in intestinal cells of the oligochaetes. Tubificids remained infective for carp at least up to 57 days postexposure (PE). Tubificids were also able to transmit G. carpelli to carp that had recovered from a previous infection, whereas attempts of direct transmission of G. carpelli among these carp failed. Direct transmission to uninfected carp by fecal contamination was possible. Organisms from the pond plankton, benthic Limnadia sp., and chironomid larvae did not transmit G. carpelli to carp.

Oxygen consumption and ammonia and phosphate excretion in pond zooplankton

Respiration and ammonia and phosphate excretion were studied in the temperature‐acclimated zooplankton of a small eutrophic fishpond. The zooplankton included species of Cyclopoida, Cladocera, and Rotatoria. Their body size varied from ng to µg of protein nitrogen. Oxygen consumption was linearly related to body size at 11°C or higher, but proportional to the 0.86 power of size at 4°C. Similar size relationships applied for N and P excretion. Relationship of oxygen uptake to temperature was virtually identical in well fed Cyclops vicinus and Daphnia hyalina.The oxygen equivalent of ammonia excretion for protein catabolism was never higher than the measured oxygen consumption; there was no suggestion of an apparent gluconeogenesis or lipogenesis in well fed Cyclops. Relative excretion rates of ammonia and phosphate were related to feeding level. The lowest rates of ammonia excretion were at low natural levels of feeding while they increased both in fasting and well fed animals. Relative phosphate excretion rates increased with increasing food concentration, but individual experiments were not comparable. Herbivorous pond plankton had lower N‐excretion rates than carnivorous, which is comparable with planktophagous fish rates published previously.