The Use of Moringa oleifera Seed Powder for Treating Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) Discharge

Abstract

This study investigated the use of Moringa oleifera seed powder, in water treatment in a Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS). RAS is one of the systems of fish rearing in which discharged from the fish pond is treated and then reuse. RAS must effectively remove solids (settle able and suspended), control ammonia and nitrite-nitrogen concentrations, and dissolved gasses. Dried Moringa oleifera drum sticks were harvested, unshelled, dehusked and ground. The oil was removed and dried at room temperature. Four culture tanks were used, in which three were used as experimental tanks and one, as control. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in a 3 by 2 factorial was used. The three experimental tanks were treated with 12 g / 90 litres, 25 g / 90 litres and 40 g / 90 litres of Moringa oleifera seed powder. For each quantity of the seed powder, 3 hrs, 4 hrs and 5 hrs retention times were used. The weight of the fish was recorded after each treatment using digital weighing scale. The highest increase in the weight of the fish was recorded when 40 g / 90 litres of the seed powder was used at 3 hrs. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was conducted at 5% significance level. Calculated F was greater than Tabulated F for both replicate (5.217 >2.084) and treatment (5.254 > 2.084). This implies that Moringa oleifera has a positive effect on the treatment of aquaculture discharge