Water quality assessment and management practices in whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) aquaculture in Hisar district, India

Abstract

The rapid growth of aquaculture, driven by the stagnation of capture fisheries, has positioned whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) as a critical species for global and Indian food security, contributing 6.1% to global aquaculture production and over 10% to trade value. This study evaluates water quality parameters in L. vannamei culture ponds across five locations (Mirka, Landhari, Bagla, Panihari, and Gandhinagar) in Hisar district, India, an emerging inland saline aquaculture hub. Physicochemical parameters, including pH (7.80-8.68), temperature (23.18-27.19 °C), salinity (12.34-18.63 ppt), turbidity (26.20-31.97 cm), total dissolved solids (7.61-16.79 ppt), alkalinity (170.83-329.11 mg/L), electrical conductivity (28.11-36.51 mS/cm), dissolved oxygen (7.15-8.80 mg/L), and biological oxygen demand (8.54-15.91 mg/L), were measured following standard protocols. Notable variations were observed, with Panihari recording the highest salinity, alkalinity, and TDS, and Mirka showing the highest pH, temperature, turbidity, and BOD. These parameters, often exceeding optimal ranges, highlight the need for enhanced water quality management to mitigate disease risks and ensure sustainable shrimp farming. The study emphasizes the adoption of better management practices to support the socioeconomic benefits of inland shrimp aquaculture in Hisar, contributing to India’s fisheries export economy.