Growth, biofiltration and photosynthetic performance of Ulva spp. cultivated in fishpond effluents: An outdoor study

Anthropogenic impacts on water resources, especially by ??nutrient discharge, is a worldwide problem in marine coastal areas. In this context, seaweed cultivation aquaculture wastewater can be considered as an alternative for effluent mitigation, where the biomass becomes source of valuable compounds. The current study examined potential use seaweeds Ulva pseudorotundata and rigida to remove nutrients treat effluents from culture Chelon labrosus . Two experiments were conducted under pilot-scale conditions evaluate nutrient uptake, photosynthetic activity, production species cultivated 50 100% concentrations. Photosynthetic parameters determined vivo chlorophyll fluorescence associated photosystem II 3 times day estimate performance physiology throughout experiment: optimal quantum yield ( F v /F m ), situ ex electron transport rate (ETR), efficiency (? ETR saturation irradiance E k maximum non-photochemical quenching (NPQ max ). To metabolism compounds, elemental biochemical composition analyzed beginning end each experiment. Results regarding showed that both removed more than 65% ammonium after hours experimentation. At experiments, up 94.8% initial was sequestered effluent. Additionally, 5 days 50% fish able 85% nitrate. Although decrease uptake observed cultures with effluent, at experiment 440 µmol L -1 nitrate removed, considering all treatment conditions. values growth rates higher those obtained Moreover, when concentration, significant increment protein content detected species. Our results contribute understanding biofiltration two different order improve optimization, enhancement capacity also boost management practices systems.