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Control and management of cynophycean (Spirulina platensis) bloom in Padmatheertham, Thiruvananthapuram, India


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1 International Research and Training Centre for Below Sea Level Farming, Kuttanad, Thottappally, Alappuzha 688 561, India, India
 

The blue–green algal (BGA) bloom that appeared in Padmatheertham, the sacred pond in Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India is associated with Spirulina platensis, a cyanobacterium rich in proteins, considered as a safe, functional food. Considering the unaesthetic appearance of the BGA bloom and its foul odour on open decomposition, various non-chemical methods were employed for its control. Several methods for nutrient remediation in the pond system were also explored. The efficacy of using decomposing rice straw to inhibit algal growth was studied. The possibility of control of BGA by stocking tilapia and filter-feeding bivalve, Villorita cyprinoides capable of ingesting and digesting the algae was analysed. Experimental assays carried out on V. cyprinoides revealed that it helped in the rapid utilization of BGA. The present study reinforces our understanding of the fundamental ecosystem services that filter-feeder communities provide to counter the invasive effects of eutrophication through consumption and assimilation
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  • Control and management of cynophycean (Spirulina platensis) bloom in Padmatheertham, Thiruvananthapuram, India

Abstract Views: 334  |  PDF Views: 175

Authors

K. G. Padmakumar
International Research and Training Centre for Below Sea Level Farming, Kuttanad, Thottappally, Alappuzha 688 561, India, India
P. R. Remya
International Research and Training Centre for Below Sea Level Farming, Kuttanad, Thottappally, Alappuzha 688 561, India, India
K. A. Stephy
International Research and Training Centre for Below Sea Level Farming, Kuttanad, Thottappally, Alappuzha 688 561, India, India
Haritha Mohan
International Research and Training Centre for Below Sea Level Farming, Kuttanad, Thottappally, Alappuzha 688 561, India, India
T. Preseetha
International Research and Training Centre for Below Sea Level Farming, Kuttanad, Thottappally, Alappuzha 688 561, India, India
T. R. Arathi
International Research and Training Centre for Below Sea Level Farming, Kuttanad, Thottappally, Alappuzha 688 561, India, India
B. Alan
International Research and Training Centre for Below Sea Level Farming, Kuttanad, Thottappally, Alappuzha 688 561, India, India
Tessy Abraham
International Research and Training Centre for Below Sea Level Farming, Kuttanad, Thottappally, Alappuzha 688 561, India, India

Abstract


The blue–green algal (BGA) bloom that appeared in Padmatheertham, the sacred pond in Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India is associated with Spirulina platensis, a cyanobacterium rich in proteins, considered as a safe, functional food. Considering the unaesthetic appearance of the BGA bloom and its foul odour on open decomposition, various non-chemical methods were employed for its control. Several methods for nutrient remediation in the pond system were also explored. The efficacy of using decomposing rice straw to inhibit algal growth was studied. The possibility of control of BGA by stocking tilapia and filter-feeding bivalve, Villorita cyprinoides capable of ingesting and digesting the algae was analysed. Experimental assays carried out on V. cyprinoides revealed that it helped in the rapid utilization of BGA. The present study reinforces our understanding of the fundamental ecosystem services that filter-feeder communities provide to counter the invasive effects of eutrophication through consumption and assimilation

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.18520/cs%2Fv124%2Fi1%2F73-78