The Most Efficient Seaweed Species as a Bioremediator of Intensive Pond Waste

Abstract

Seaweed species have a positive effect on the bioremediation of nutrient waste. However, waste absorption efficiency varies between species. This research aims to analyze the most efficient seaweed as bioremediation of intensive waste ponds. The method used in this research was three types of seaweed stocked based on treatment groups in each of three tanks measuring 100×100×100 cm made of bamboo, wood, and specially designed tarpaulin. This study was carried out on a laboratory scale for 42 days on three local seaweed species to evaluate the waste disposal efficiency of each seaweed species. This research was conducted at the Bone Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic Laboratory, Tulang Daerah, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, from September to October 2022. Measurement of ammonia (NH3-N), nitrite (NO2-N), nitrate (NO3-N), and phosphate (PO4-P) carried out at the Center for Brackish Water Aquaculture and Fisheries Extension in Maros, the concentrations of the four nutrient wastes were significantly different (P<0.05), indicating differences in nutrient removal for each seaweed species. The removal efficiency of NH3-N, NO2-N, NO3-N, and PO -P by G. verrucosa (97.1, 99.7, 99.9, 99.7%) was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared with E. spinosum (90.5, 93.9, 96.4, 95.4%) and K. alvarezii (81.6%, 94.6%, 94.5%, and 95.4%, respectively). Meanwhile, E. spinosum was not significantly different (P>0.05) from K. alvarezii in removing NO2-N, NO3-N, and PO4-P but was more efficient in reducing NH3-N. Overall, G. verrucosa is the most efficient in intensive disposal of shrimp pond waste based on the results of this study.