Changes in the physico-chemical characteristics and lipid composition in sediments from productive aquaculture ponds after a short-term shrimp growth experience

Abstract

The accumulation of biogenic elements and organic matter in sediments from selected aquaculture ponds were analyzed before and after a 6-month experiment on shrimp (Penaeus juponicus) growth with and without feed addition. Potential changes in the structure of the trophic system as a result of management practices were investigated by comparing the physico-chemical characteristics of the sediments and the relative concentration of signature organic molecules accumulated preferentially in different situations. The major compounds identified in the sedimentary lipid extracts by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) include series of linear and branched alkanes, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, alcohols, and sterols, as well as individual components such as phytol and some o-hydroxyacids. It is suggested that variable inputs from the feed, terrigenous plant material, phytoplankton and bacterial biomass are the main sources of the isolated lipids.