Evaluating the Influence of Feed-Derived Organic Matter on Microbial Community Succession in Aquaculture Ponds

Feed-derived organic matter contributes significantly to nutrient loading in aquaculture ponds through effects on microbial metabolism, water quality, nutrient cycles, and ecological stability. Waste products generated due to uneaten feed and metabolism end up within the pond ecosystem leading to an organic rich environment which impacts the structure of the microbial communities. The reason why such research is required in this situation is due to the increase in the intensification of aquaculture practice together with lack of knowledge regarding feed derived organic matter effects on microbial communities transition in different pond situations. The unique approach of the proposed research is the integration of the organic matter accumulation, physicochemical water quality, sediment properties and the microbial community successions into a comparative ecological assessment study. Water and sediment samples from aquaculture ponds subjected to different organic load will be collected. Seasonal sampling, organic carbon measurement, nutrient analysis, enumeration of microbes and their molecular identification will be done. This study will focus on the variation in bacterial abundance, community diversity, and functional groups of microorganisms responsible for organic matter degradation and transformation processes. The discussion will revolve around the response of microorganisms to enrichment of organic matter, oxygen concentration, and environmental variations. The desired output will be to have better understanding about the effects of organic matter derived from the feed on microbial succession.