Assessing the negative impact of an aquaculture farm on effluent water quality in Itacuruba, Pernambuco, Brazilian semiarid region

Abstract

This study was conducted at a fish farm in Itacuruba, located in the Brazilian semiarid region. Its objective was to quantify the impacts of aquaculture on water quality by comparing effluent and inlet water, particularly in relation to CONAMA Resolution 430 (2011) limits. Regarding the effluent, electrical conductivity, total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen presented values above the limits, other parameters complied with the mentioned legislation. During the dry period, the effluent's TP values were 447% higher than the inlet water and 473% above the Resolution limit. During the wet period, TP concentration in the inlet water increased 1,000% while the effluent exceeded legislation limits by 1,175%. Based on these results, treatment of effluent from fish farms in accordance with legislation prior to its release into the receiving water body is recommended, thereby minimizing eutrophication risk for the local population, guaranteeing food security, reducing impacts to public health and aquatic biota and favoring the sustainability of the enterprise. Due to limited water resources, it is especially necessary to adopt better management practices that minimize the negative impacts of aquaculture activities.