Impact of Fish Farming on Marine Bacteria in Qingdao, China
Author Information
Author(s): Qiufen Li, Zhang Yan, Juck David, Fortin Nathalie, Greer Charles W.
Primary Institution: Yellow Sea Fishery Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Science
Hypothesis
How does intensive land-based fish culture affect the bacterial communities in surrounding marine waters and sediments?
Conclusion
Intensive fish culture in Qingdao, China, reduces bacterial diversity in nearby marine environments due to nutrient discharge.
Supporting Evidence
- Counts of heterotrophic bacteria decreased with distance from fish ponds.
- DGGE analysis showed fewer bacterial bands near the effluent channel.
- High numbers of ammonium-oxidizing and nitrifying bacteria were found in polluted areas.
Takeaway
Fish farming can change the types of bacteria in the ocean nearby, making some types more common and others less so.
Methodology
The study used both culture-based and molecular methods, including denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), to analyze bacterial communities.
Limitations
The study may not capture all microbial diversity due to the limitations of culture-dependent methods.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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