Utilization of macrophyte biofilter in effluent from aquaculture: I. Floating plant.

The objective of this work was to manufacture a low-cost biofilter, made of floating macrophyte (Eichhornia crassipes). Limnological studies were conducted 7 days after the macrophytes were placed in the biofilter, and continued over a period of 30 consecutive days. During rainy and dry seasons, and high production period, samples were taken three times a week. The lowest levels of nitrogen compounds were observed in the July/August period, which corresponded to lower fish production and low supply rattion in the culture ponds. During the experimental period, pH values ranged from acid to alkaline and did not oscillate with higher average values during April/May. Alkalinity and bicarbonate dominance in the medium were directly affected by pH. With respect to associated micro-fauna, among phyto-plankton Chlorophyta was the dominant group and among zooplankton, Rotifera. It is recommended that during production peaks, the aquatic plants should be replaced by small buds every 10 days.