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Utilization of Talisay (Terminalia catappa L.) Leaves as a Sustainable Natural Shelter for Macrobrachium rosenbergii Post-larval Culture
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This aquaculture study compared natural Terminalia catappa (tropical almond) leaves versus conventional plastic net shelters for farming freshwater prawns, finding that prawn larvae grew significantly larger and heavier with the leaf shelters while survival rates were equivalent. Beyond the performance benefit, the natural shelters eliminate a source of microplastic contamination from plastic nets degrading in water. The findings suggest a practical, low-cost way to reduce plastic use in small-scale aquaculture while improving production outcomes.
The rapid expansion of crustacean aquaculture contributes to global food security and economic development; however, sustainability concerns persist, particularly regarding plastic pollution and the potential microplastic contamination associated with conventional plastic shelters. This study evaluated the use of Terminalia catappa leaves as a natural alternative to plastic shelters in the post-larval culture of Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Result show that post-larvae reared with T. catappa leaf shelter attained significantly greater final length (P<0.004) and final weight (P<0.001) compared to those provided with plastic net shelters, while survival rates did not differ statistically between treatments (P>0.05). Water quality parameters remained within acceptable limits throughout the culture period, with no adverse effects attributed to the use of leaf substrates. These findings demonstrate that T. catappa leaf shelters are a viable substitute for conventional plastic shelters, providing comparable survival and enhanced growth performance, while promoting more sustainable aquaculture practices by reducing reliance on plastic materials.
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Researchers compared five locally available natural biofilter media against commercial plastic media in recirculating aquaculture systems, finding that some natural alternatives performed comparably while avoiding the cost and microplastic shedding associated with conventional plastic biofilter materials.
Microplastics in farmed and wild Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) from Diverse Aquatic Environments in Bangladesh
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Researchers examined freshwater prawns from both farmed and wild sources in southwestern Bangladesh and found microplastics in all samples, with farmed prawns containing significantly more particles than wild-caught ones. The most common types were fibers smaller than 0.5 mm, with polyvinyl stearate and polyethylene-propylene-diene as the predominant polymers, raising concerns about seafood safety in the region.
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Researchers investigated how freshwater macrophyte beds trap microplastic particles, finding that plant morphology, particle density, and the adhesive properties of periphyton biofilms all contribute to retention rates ranging from 22% to 100% depending on species and particle type.
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Researchers investigated the direct and indirect effects of different microplastic types on freshwater primary producers — algae and aquatic plants — finding that physical shading and chemical leachates both contributed to growth inhibition.
Contributions of the periphyton to the growth of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings on different fixation substrates: an ecological approach
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This study compared how different substrate materials — PET plastic, geomembrane, and bamboo — supported periphyton (algae and microbe communities) in tanks raising Nile tilapia fingerlings. Fish in PET substrate tanks showed the best growth performance, while bamboo supported the most diverse algal communities. The findings suggest PET substrates may offer practical benefits in aquaculture despite being a synthetic plastic material.
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