Fish pond sediment from aquaculture production - current practices and the potential for nutrient recovery: a Review

The recent increase in fish production has resulted in the accumulation of fish pond sediment. This sediment accumulates over time and can lead to a reduction in the depth of ponds and in the living space available for fish, it may also lead to a depletion in dissolved oxygen. Therefore, the removal of sediment from fresh water ponds is crucial for pond maintenance, and thus economical fish production. Fish pond sediment is rich in nutrients and organic matter, and therefore it may have potential as a fertilizer in crop production, nursery pot culture, etc. However, it contains compounds that undergo rapid degradation producing unpleasant odours and posing a threat to the environment, therefore it needs to be managed and handled efficiently in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner. The overall goal of this study was to analyse the current state and management practices of fish pond sediment generated in the existing aquaculture systems, with special reference to organic aquaculture, and the potential for the recovery of nutrients through bioconversion processes to organic fertilizers.