Impact of Aqua Chemicals in Bangladesh Shrimp Farms and the Solution
Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide, and it is no different in Bangladesh. In recent years, aquaculture has expanded and contributed to the socio-economic development of the country. The increasing food and nutrition demand has led to an intensification of aquaculture systems with the help of advanced technology.
It has been reported that chemicals are extensively used by fish farmers in Bangladesh to achieve the current aquaculture productivity in the available land, and to maximize profits. However, the indiscriminate chemical use is a cause of concern as it is known to minimize quality, cause diseases, and in some cases fish kills. Moreover, the concentration of chemicals beyond the permissible limit can cause health hazards to the public and impact the environment.
Aqua Chemicals used in Bangladesh
A study was undertaken on the southwest coast of Bangladesh which constitutes major fish and shrimp farming areas in the country, to assess the use of chemicals and antibiotics. The study showed that a wide variety of chemicals are used in Bangladesh, which includes dipterex, antimicrobials, lime, rotenone, organic/inorganic fertilizers, potassium permanganate, copper sulphate, formalin, hostoxin, and others.
Easily available in the market, fish farmers were found to use chemicals for different stages of fish health management. A large quantity of chemicals was mainly used for treating fish diseases, followed by water quality management, increasing productivity and removing poisonous gases and water hardness.
Besides chemicals, fish farmers were found to use different types of antibiotics, which consists of active ingredients such as co-trimoxa zole, sulphadiazine oxytetracyclin, chloro tetracycline amoxicillin, sulphamethaoxazole etc.
Adverse Impact of Using Chemicals
Improper or indiscriminate use of chemicals in water or feed can disturb the aquatic ecosystem leading to fish kills. Various factors like pH, alkalinity and temperature of the water, along with the fish type and organic matter can trigger chemical reactions differently. Similarly, indiscriminate use of antibiotics without identifying the disease can have negative consequences. It is known to leach into natural habitats and modify bacterial flora, developing antibiotic-resistant strains.
Furthermore, find out how chemicals and antibiotics impact shrimp farming activities, farming community, consumers as well as the environment.
Shrimp Farming
Shrimp farming systems, both semi-intensive and intensive, require a large amount of fertilizers, feeds, nutrients and organic matter. It affects the quality of water in ponds. Besides, chemicals and antibiotics also create waste in water, leading to plankton growth, stress and health risk. Moreover, it causes shrimp disease, turbidity and filamentous algae growth.
Also Read: Aquaculture in Bangladesh and Use of Probiotics for Fish & Shrimp
Fish Farmers
Prolonged exposure to chemicals like bleaching powder and other toxic substances can affect those working in shrimp farms. Chemical residues can impact the output or product quality.
Environment
Shrimp farms in areas with limited water can cause pollution, affecting the entire ecosystem. It can further lead to drinking water contamination, organic pollution causing algae growth in receiving waters, soil changes in nearby areas, growth of bacteria and fungus etc.
As the demand for fish grows across Bangladesh and correspondingly the intensifying aquaculture system, it is high time to adopt effective, eco-friendly and sustainable aquaculture solutions. Probiotics has emerged as one of the best solutions to boost aquaculture productivity sustainably.
Probiotics Features
Probiotics are helpful living microorganisms that provide many health benefits to fish in aquaculture system, when added in sufficient quantities. In aquaculture, the biological agents help by:
- Improving water quality
- Boosts growth
- Helps in disease management.
- Better feed conversion ratio
- Pathogen resistance
Also Read: Unlock Superior Aquaculture With Organica Biotech
Organica Biotech is a leading company developing advanced solutions for aquaculture systems. The probiotics contain special microbial strains that enhance the aquatic ecosystem of shrimp. Different probiotics for shrimp farming are available such as Bioclean Aqua, Bioclean Aqua Plus, Biogut Aqua, Bioclean Aqua Hatchery, Bioclean Aqua Fish. Contact us at any time for more details about how our products can help aquaculture in Bangladesh.
Also Read: What Is Aquaculture & Why It Is Important?
