Perikphyton Growth on Two Different Bamboo Substrate Models for Its Use in Aquaculture

Abstract

Periphyton-based fish farming practices are considered low-cost technologies as they help in sustainable aquaculture production. The present study was designed to determine the efficiency of two different substrate models (viz. roof hut model and prism model) made from the bamboo sticks. The small-sized substrate models were constructed for invitro studies. The growth of periphyton was investigated on the 30th day of the experimental setup. This is the first time experimenting with bamboo substrate models. From the result it was found that the biomass of periphyton in terms of dry weight 0.03±0.01 g/cm2 was observed on both substrate models. There is no biomass difference and taxonomic difference between these two models. It may be due to the material used for the construction of the model being the same i.e. bamboo sticks and cotton thread. The taxonomic identification of the periphyton community showed the different genera of class Chlorophyceae and Bacillariophyceae. These models are efficient for periphyton growth and they also increase the productivity of periphyton due to increased surface area of substrate models. These models can be used for low-cost aquaculture.