A REVIEW OF THE IMPACTS AND MITIGATIONS OF CATFISH EFFLUENT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Effluents from fish ponds/tanks contain living and dead particulate, organic matter, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, suspended soil particles and other substances that can be considered potential pollutants. Agencies responsible for water pollution abatement considered the aquaculture industry that generates pond effluent as one of sources of environmental pollution. As a result of this, there is a need for proper treatment and disposal of pond effluents in order to ensure environmental preservation and maintenance of the aesthetic values of the environment. Studies have shown that of the two methods, wetland disposal and mechanical aerator, used for catfish effluent reduction, the use of mechanical aerator seemed to be more effective and it has several advantages over the wetland disposal method for effluent treatment. The impacts of aquaculture effluents on the environment were highlighted. Fish feed properties that could enhance catfish effluent treatment and disposal to overcome the impacts on the environment were highlighted, given that fish feed waste constitutes a major portion of pond effluents. Methods of reducing the impacts of fish ponds effluent on the environment and the best management practices for effluent control and reduction were discussed.