Aim & Background: This study investigated the use of Moringa oleifera seed powder, in water
treatment in a Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS). RAS is one of the techniques used in fish
rearing in which discharge from the fish pond is treated and then reused. RAS must effectively
remove solids (settleable and suspended), and control ammonia, nitrite-nitrogen concentrations,
and dissolved gases.
Methods: Dried Moringa oleifera drumsticks 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 according to standard. 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 hours, 4 hours and 5 hours retention times were used. The
weight of the fish was recorded after each treatment using a digital weighing scale.
Results: 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 a 5%
significance level. The Calculated F was greater than the Tabulated F for both replicate (5.217 >
2.084) and treatment (5.254 > 2.084).
Conclusion: This implies that Moringa oleifera has a positive effect on the treatment of
aquaculture discharge.
Key words: Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS), Moringa oleifera seeds-powder, coagulants, ammonia, nitrate ion and nitrites ion
|
