Ammonia reduction in seawater byYucca schidigeraextract: efficacy analysis and empirical modelling

Abstract

Yucca schidigera is a plant native to southwestern USA and Mexico. Its extract has been used in the livestock industry to control ammonia accumulation in animal holding facilities, and to reduce ammonia concentration in animal excreta. This study investigated the potential and effectiveness of Y. schidigera extract (YUPE) for ammonia reduction in seawater. A dose–response experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different concentrations of YUPE at 0, 18, 36, 72 and 108 mg L−1 on total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) at 1, 3 and 9 mg L−1. At a higher YUPE dosage rate, higher TAN reduction was observed, and TAN reduction was highest during the first 12 h, and decreased thereafter. A stepwise multiple linear regression that included the initial TAN, YUPE concentration and time was developed, which accurately predicted empirical TAN concentrations. Applications of this model for ammonia management strategies were formulated for hypothetical tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) rearing conditions. YUPE's efficacy for ammonia reduction, natural origin and safety make YUPE a potentially suitable compound for water quality management in mariculture.

Effects of light source and photoperiod on growth of duckweed Landoltia punctata and its water quality

“…to uptake ammonia in various concentration (Chien et al, 1990) and applying optimal level of plant (Yucca schidigera) extract to reduce ammonia to safe level in tilapia culture (Santacruz-Reyes & Chien, 2009) and in shrimp culture (Santacruz-Reyes & Chien, 2010a, 2010b.…”