Bioremediation of nutrient polluted animal culture ponds by seaweed Gracilaria lichenoides.

Animal culture ponds of Penacus vannamei and Epinephelus awoara were studied for water quality remediation effects of seaweed G.lichenoides.Results show that G.lichenoides has an obvious purifying effect on in-pond inorganic nitrogen(IN) and inorganic phosphorus(IP).Lower concentrations of IN and IP and higher dissolved oxygen(DO) are observed in the pond with G.lichenoides,showing that the mixed culture of G. lichenoides with Penacus vannamei and/or Epinephelus awoara improves water quality of animal culture ponds.G.lichenoides has higher economic benefits,no secondary pollution effect and is easily managed,hence advantageous over water quality treatment with micro-algae.Ecological animal culture with G.lichenoides reduces in-pond chemical agents,improves yield and production quality and is an ecologically feasible approach to sustainable aquaculture and green seafood production.