M.E. Azcuna-Montaño, D.B. Largo
This study explored the environmental sustainability potential of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) utilizing extractive species in a re-circulating aquaculture system, with physico-chemical parameters and growth models used as indicators of effective waste assimilation. Control and experimental glass tanks, each filled with 210-L of filtered seawater, were set-up to maintain the test organisms for 42 days: tank 1 (fed species, Chanos chanos, and Holothuria scabra), tank 2 (Perna viridis), and tank 3 (Sargassum siliquosum). Physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and total dissolved solids showed no significant differences between tanks, while pH differed significantly (p = 0.028). Nutrient analysis revealed significant reductions in ammonia and phosphate (p < 0.05), but nitrate levels, although reduced in the integrated multi-trophic aquaculture tanks, were not statistically different from the control. C. chanos exhibited low survival (17.39%) and a growth rate (0.017% d-1). Conversely, H. scabra and P. viridis showed high survival rates (100% and 69.64%) with growth rates of 0.46% d-1 and a net decrease of-0.98% d-1, respectively. S. siliquosum’s nitrate removal was low (15.65%), but phosphate removal was high (79.61%), with tissue N and P contents significantly higher (p < 0.05) than initial values. Findings indicated that the cultured species’ growth and assimilation performances suggest IMTA potential for a sustainable marine aquaculture. © 2026, ALÖKI Kft., Budapest, Hungary.
Department of Biology, School of Sciences, University of San Carlos, Talamban, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines
