Filtering Activity and Nutrient Release by the Keratose Sponge Sarcotragus spinosulus Schmidt, 1862 (Porifera, Demospongiae) at the Laboratory Scale

Sponges are an important constituent of filter-feeder benthic communities, characterized by high ecological plasticity and abundance. Free bacteria constitute quota their diet, making them excellent candidates in aquaculture microbial bioremediation, where can be a serious problem. Although there studies on this topic, certain promising species still under investigation. Here we report applied microbiological research the filtering activity Sarcotragus spinosulus two different concentrations pathogenic bacterium Vibrio parahaemolyticus laboratory experiment. To evaluate effects filtration surrounding nutrient load, release ammonium, nitrate, phosphate was also measured. The results obtained showed efficient capability S. as able to reduce load with maximum retention efficiency 99.72% 99.35% at higher lower concentrations, respectively, remarkable values clearance rates (average value 45.0 ± 4.1 mL h−1 g DW−1) highest concentration tested. measured low for each considered category less than 1 mg L−1 ammonium 5 nitrate. suggest that represents candidate showing removing V. from seawater contribution load.