Effect of Different Treatments on the Periphyton Quantity and Quality in Experimental Fishponds

Periphyton development and composition were studied in three different treatments: (i) two fishpond units of wetland-type wastewater treatment pond systems, (ii) two fishponds in combined intensive-extensive fish farming systems and (iii) three traditional polyculture fishponds. Results showed that amounts of periphyton developed in traditional polyculture fishponds (iii) were different compared to the other treatments (i and ii), where the main function of ponds was stated wastewater treatment. Negative correlation was also observable between water quality parameters and periphyton production. The lower trophity, halobity and saprobity level of ponds indicated higher amount of periphyton. The dry matter content of periphyton was significantly higher in the samples, which were developed in traditional polyculture fishponds (2.84±3.02 g m day, whereby the ash content in dry matter 74%), than samples taken from (i) (1.60±2.32 g m day, 61%) and (ii) fishponds (0.65±0.45 g m day, 81%). Keywords—Artificial substrate, fishpond, periphyton, water quality