UNIVERSITY OF asia pacific

Laboratory Group Project – Fall 2023

Course Title: Environmental Engineering Laboratory I

Course Code: CE-332

Project Topic: Exploring the Aquaculture Potential of a Selected

Waterbody within your preferred location

Submitted To: Submitted By:

Fuad Al-Mahmud Student ID: 21205026
Lecturer 21205028
Dept. of Civil Engineering 21205036
University Of Asia Pacific 21205040
21205045

Date of Submission: 28/04/24

TITTLE OF THE PROJECT:

We will determine how suitable the water of ponds in Rajbari district where fish farming is being
done is suitable for Aquaculture purposes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:

The water parameter test is crucial for aquaculture as it helps ensure optimal conditions for fish
health and growth. It assesses factors like pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia levels, and
temperature, which are vital for maintaining a healthy aquatic environment.

We have selected Rajbari district for the experiment.

LOCATION : New Colony, Rajbari.

Based on the previous experiment results on the pond water of Rajbari, we select these five tests
of pH, CO₂,Turbidity,Alkalinity,Hardness to check how much our collected water is
suitable for Aquaculture purposes(Reference:Journal of Agricalture,Food and
Environment(JAFE),Resarch gate).

➢ pH :pH testing in aquaculture is crucial for maintaining optimal conditions for aquatic
organisms. It helps monitor acidity or alkalinity levels, ensuring water quality conducive to
fish health and growth. Fluctuations in pH can stress or harm fish, impacting their immune
system and overall well-being.
➢ Turbidity:Turbidity tests are crucial in aquaculture for assessing water quality as high
turbidity levels can affect light penetration, oxygen levels, and food availability, impacting
the health and growth of aquatic organisms.
➢ CO₂: CO₂ testing in aquaculture is crucial for monitoring water quality, ensuring optimal
conditions for aquatic life. Elevated CO2 levels can lead to pH fluctuations, affecting fish
health and growth. Regular testing helps prevent stress and mortality in aquaculture systems.
➢ Alkalinity :Alkalinity testing is crucial in aquaculture for monitoring water quality. It helps
maintain pH stability, buffering capacity, and overall environmental conditions essential for
aquatic life, ensuring optimal growth and health of aquatic organisms.
➢ Hardness :Hardness tests in aquaculture are crucial for maintaining optimal water quality, as
they assess levels of calcium and magnesium ions essential for fish health and egg
development. Monitoring hardness helps prevent issues like osmotic stress and poor egg
hatching rates, ensuring successful aquaculture operations.
We will conduct the above tests considering that there is no adverse effect on the human body
and the environment.

Problem Statement:
In our project, we face two problem during experiment.

The common water quality of our sample water problems of Kushtia (Rajbari) were temperature,
fluctuation, oxygen depletion, turbidity, acidity and excessive growth of aquatic weed. The farmers
reported that, due to excessive hot and cool temperature as well as sudden fluctuation, fish cease
feeding and can’t grow properly which ultimately cause health problems or even death of fish.

[Ref:[Link]/publication/351091240_Culture_practices_and_health_management
_issues_in_selected_aquafarms_of_Rajbari_Bangladesh_A_preliminary_study]

[Link] of water:

Transporting water for a project can present a variety of challenges depending on the context, such
as source of water, water quality and distance etc.

[Link] of water: Identifying a reliable source of water for the project is essential. Our sourcing
water from natural bodies of water, such as rain water or from underground aquifers. Ensuring that
the water source is sustainable and uncontaminated is critical to the success of the project.

[Link] quality: Maintaining the quality of the water during transportation is crucial.
Contaminants, such as bacteria, chemicals, and pollutants can impact our sample water.

[Link]: Our sample location is 140 km far from our University. Long distance increase risk of
water quality loss.
[Link] in water:

Turbidity in pond water can be caused by various factors such as suspended silt, clay, microscopic
organisms, algae growth, or disturbances from fish activity and weather. High turbidity can harm
fish and aquatic plants by reducing oxygen levels and blocking sunlight, so maintaining clear water
is important for a healthy pond ecosystem and an enjoyable fishing experience.

Turbidity of our sample water is 203.6 N.T.U

≥10 NTU Difficult to eat or breathe

Turbidity
<10 NTU Safety scope

Here are several methods to reduce turbidity in pond water:

1. Plant Vegetation: Planting aquatic plants around the edges of the pond can help stabilize the soil
and reduce erosion, which in turn decreases the amount of sediment that enters the water.

2. Aerate the Water: Aeration increases oxygen levels and can help to settle suspended particles.
Consider using a fountain, waterfall, or an aeration system to keep the water moving and
oxygenated.

3. Apply Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate): Treating water with gypsum is a common method to clump
together fine particles, which makes them settle to the bottom. Gypsum is a safe method even for
ponds used for fishing.

4. Reduce Fish Population: Overstocking can lead to excessive fish waste and turbidity from fish
stirring up the bottom. Maintain an appropriate number of fish for the size of your pond.

5. Reduce Feed: If you feed the fish in the pond, reduce the amount of feed or use a high-quality
feed that is more completely digested to reduce waste production.

6. Apply Flocculants: Flocculants are chemicals that agglomerate suspended particles, making
them heavy enough to sink. Ensure flocculants used are environmentally friendly and safe for fish
and local wildlife.

7. Build a Buffer Zone: Create a buffer zone of vegetation around the pond to filter runoff water
and prevent soil erosion.

8. Regular Maintenance: Periodically remove any dead vegetation and debris from the pond. Rake
the bottom to remove excessive sludge if accessible and safe to do so.
9. Control Algae Blooms: Excessive algae can also increase turbidity. Algaecides or ultrasonic
algae control can be used with caution. Always follow guidelines to ensure treatments don't harm
fish.

10. Add Beneficial Bacteria: Beneficial bacteria products can help break down organic matter in
the water, maintaining balance and reducing turbidity.

Please note, before implementing some of these methods, it's essential to ensure their use is suitable
for your pond, especially if it's used for fishing. Some treatments could affect the health of fish or
other wildlife. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and consult with local environmental or
fisheries experts if you are unsure.

Procedure:
i. Study area: Rajbari
ii. Water Quality Parameters:
➢ PH: PH affects the solubility of minerals and nutrients essential for aquatic life.
➢ CO₂: CO₂ levels help maintain pH balance, which is vital for fish health and overall pond
ecology.
➢ Alkalinity: Alkalinity stabilizes pH levels in fish farming water, reducing stress on fish.
➢ Hardness: It influences the health and development of fish, particularly in relation to bone
and scale formation.
➢ Turbidity: Turbidity affects water clarity, which can impact fish behavior and feeding
habits.
For this reason, we select that parameter. But there are missing other parameters such as
BOD, COD, TDS, TSS, Arsenic & Iron concentration tests. Due to the shortage of time, we
could not do those tests.
iii. Sampling:
Amount of sample:
PH 100 ml of sample water.

CO₂ 100 ml of sample water.

Alkalinity 100 ml of sample water.

Turbidity 100 ml of sample water.

Hardness 50 ml of sample water.

PH Test Turbidity Test

CO₂ Test Hardness Test Alkalinity Test

Sampling schedule:18 April,2024.
Sampling procedure:
❖ Firstly we take 1 liter bottle.
❖ Then we fill the bottle by the sample water.
❖ We carefully fill the water, if anyway get out the oxygen & carbon di oxide by the
bottle.
Materials used: Bottle, poli bag (for carry this bottle)
Problems faced:
❖ To find out the perfect pond location.
❖ Time shortage to collect the water.

iv. Laboratory Analysis:

➢ Determination the PH of water.
➢ Determination the CO₂ of water.
➢ Determination the Alkalinity of water.
➢ Determination the Hardness of water.
➢ Determination the Turbidity of water.

parameters Apparatus Reagents

PH [Link] meter. [Link] pH solution for

calibration of pH meter.

CO₂ [Link] 1. Phenolphalein indicator.

2. Measuring cylinder 2. Standard N/44 sodium
3. Dropper hydroxide.
4. Stirrer
5. Burette
Alkalinity [Link] 1. Phenolphthalein indicator
2. Measuring cylinder 2. Standard 0.02N (or N/5O)
3. Dropper sulfuric acid
4. Stirrer 3. Methyl orange indicator
Hardness [Link] 1. Buffer solution (for attaining
2. Measuring cylinder a pH close to 10.0).
3. Dropper 2. Eriochrome Black T dye.
4. Srirrer 3. Standard EDTA solution.
Turbidity [Link] LANGE Turbidimeter. [Link] polymer standards.
v. Limitation:
There have some limitations:
➢ We don’t find easily any slot for the sample test in the laboratory.
➢ We have no extra time for doing other tests.

Results:

Parameters Sample Result WHO ECR

pH 8.90 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5
CO₂ 4 mg/L <5 mg/L -
Alkalinity 50 mg/L <120 mg/L 50-300 mg/L
Hardness 180 mg/L 100-500 mg/L <123 mg/L
Turbidity 203.6 N.T.U <5 N.T.U 10 N.T.U

Discussion:

❖ In our project, we determine pH, CO2, alkalinity, hardness and water turbidity values for
aquaculture in Rajbari pond. From the experiment we found the value of pH is 8.90. Which
is satisfied the standard values of Bangladesh aquaculture.
❖ According to the Swingle (1967) standard, the optimum pH for fish is between 6.5 and 9.
Very high (greater than 9.5) or very low (less than 4.5) pH values are unsuitable for most
aquatic organisms. Young fish and immature stages of aquatic insects are extremely
sensitive to pH levels below 5 and may die at these low pH values. High pH levels (9-14)
can harm fish by denaturing cellular membranes. At high pH (>9) most ammonium in water
is converted to toxic ammonia (NH3) which can kill fish. But the pH value of our selected
pond maintains the ideal value so our water is suitable for aquaculture.
❖ In the experiment we found 4 mg/l CO2 in our water sample. The standard level of CO2 in
pond water is <20 mg/l. So, our value is in this range. The standard value for CO2 depends
on the other factors such as PH value, CO2 content is closely related to pH. Surface waters
 usually contain less than 10 ppm (mg/L) of free CO2. Our value follows the standard. So,
our water is suitable for aquaculture.
❖ From the test we found the value of alkalinity is 50 mg/l. The suitable value of alkalinity
for aquaculture ranges from 50 to 300 mg/l (James, 2000). According to the result of our
investigation, the estimated values of alkalinity were within this range. So, our sample
water is safe for aquatic organisms.
❖ From our test, we found the value of alkalinity is 180 mg/l. According to Swingle (1967),
a total hardness of 15 mg/l or more is suitable for fish culture. Suitable hardness for soft
water ranges between 20 to 75mg/l (James, 2000). But our water hardness is more than the
standard value of hardness for aquaculture. So, our water is not suitable for aquaculture.
❖ So, we can take some steps to reduce the hardness. One option is to dilute the water with
softer water, either from another source or by using a reverse osmosis system. Another
approach is to use chemical treatments or filtration systems designed to reduce hardness.
Additionally, selecting fish species that can tolerate higher levels of hardness may be
necessary.
❖ From our test, we found the value of water turbidity is 203.6 NTU. That value was higher
than optimum value (for pond <30 N.T.U). [Bhatnagar, A. and Devi, P. (2013). Water
quality guidelines for the management of pond fish culture. Int. J. Env. Sci., 3(6), 1980-
2010]. The standard is less than 10 NTU for rural streams and rivers and less than 30 NTU
for urban lakes and ponds. Unsafe level for most aquatic life: >100 NTU. High turbidity
levels (i.e., > 100,000 NTU) will kill fish (Newcombe and MacDonald 1991), but such
high levels rarely occur in nature or, where they do, rarely last long enough to pose a threat.
So, there are a few fish suitable for that pond, like gourami, catfish etc.
❖ Our water is safe with respect to pH, CO2 and alkalinity but hardness and water turbidity
are deviated from standard. But this deviation is not too much. That’s why finally, we can
say that our selected pond water is safe and suitable for aquaculture.
References:

[ Boyd, C. E. 1990. Water quality in ponds for aquaculture. Alabama agricultural experiment
station, Auburn University Ala.

Bronmark, C. and Hansson, L. A. 2005. The biology of lakes and ponds. Oxford University Press,
Oxford. 285p.

Das, B. 1997. Fisheries and Fisheries Resources Management. Bangla Academy, Dhaka,
Bangladesh, 153-155p.

DoE Standards. 2004. The People’s Republic of Bangladesh.]

CONCLUSION:

Conducting pH, turbidity, CO2, alkalinity, and hardness tests on pond water is crucial for
successful aquaculture practices. These parameters provide vital insights into the water quality,
aiding in the maintenance of optimal conditions for aquatic life. By regularly monitoring and
adjusting these factors as necessary, aquaculturists can ensure a healthy and productive
environment for their aquatic organisms, ultimately promoting sustainable and thriving
aquaculture operations. Also we have learned here what kind of fish farming is possible by
changing these five parameters.

Recommendation:

According to our result and discussion we understand that we need water treatment for that pond.
Our pH, CO2 and alkalinity level are ok for aquaculture, but hardness and turbidity were slightly
high. Increasing the volume of water in the pond through controlled additions of soft or low
hardness water sources can help dilute the concentration of dissolved minerals and reduce
hardness. I suggest some product names for reducing hardness, like Blagdon tap water fresh start
which removes chlorine and heavy metals from tap water making it safe for aquatic life in ponds.
Fresh Start also adds aloe vera, instantly protecting fishes' delicate fins and gills. Most
aquaculture ponds with excessive turbidity receive manure, chemical fertilizers or feed. In turbid,
fertilized ponds, application of animal manure, grass or other organic material may clear
turbidity. Large inputs –1,000-2,000 kg/ha – of organic matter are needed. The two most
common coagulants used in aquaculture ponds are gypsum and alum. Gypsum must be applied
in large amounts to remove turbidity. The usual treatment rate is 100-150 mg/L. Gypsum should
be spread over the pond surface, and as it dissolves, it will increase the calcium concentration in
the water to improve conditions for flocculation of suspended particles. Doses of iron and
aluminum compounds needed to clear turbidity is lower than those needed for calcium
compounds. For example, filter alum usually is effective at concentrations of 20-50 mg/[Link] in
future C02, pH increases or decreases then we suggest some step, like increase aeration, algae
and plant management, nutrient controlled, liming.

CONTRIBUTION:

ID TEAM CONTRIBUTION PART

21205026 Problem Statement
Results

21205028 Title of the Project

Introduction and objectives
21205036 Discussion

20205040 Procedure

21205045 Conclusion
Recommendation