Assessment of Environmental Impact of Aquaculture Ponds in the Western Delta Region of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Aquaculture is persistent and well-established in the delta region of Andhra Pradesh. In recent years, the expansion of aquaculture has conferred positive economic growth in the newly formed state. However, the enormous development of aqua ponds increases the effluents from aquaculture which contain various chemical compounds that can cause negative impacts when released into the environment. This paper presents the effect of unengineered aquaculture on the environment in the delta region of Andhra Pradesh. The expansion rate of aquaculture practice in the delta region has been carried out using remote sensing and a geospatial information system. An experimental investigation was carried out on soil and water samples collected from the aquaculture ponds to evaluate the water quality parameters and soil characterization. Analysis of the geotechnical properties and microstructure was carried out to determine the interaction between the soil and the aquaculture contaminants. Based on the geospatial data and field survey, the aquaculture practice in the delta region of Andhra Pradesh was intensive and extended towards the northeast from the southwest. Between 2016 and 2020, aquaculture practice significantly increased by 6.08%. Moreover, the water quality parameters and pond bottom soil showed a higher concentration of ammonia and nitrates. Further, aquaculture leachate may interact with the subsoil and have a negative impact on soil mineralogy and hydraulic conductivity. The extensive experimental data and field surveys reveal that adequate guidelines are needed to control the pollution load on the ecosystem.