Oxygen is needed by all living species. Demand of oxygen is higher in aquaculture species as oxygen is dissolved in water. Dissolved oxygen is one of most important parameter of water quality. It is important that aqua species must receive high concentration of dissolved oxygen so that its function and health is maintained. Shrimp and aerobic bacteria are bottom dwellers, therefore optimized dissolved oxygen concentration is important. Soil microbes utilize dissolved oxygen so as to breakdown toxic organic matter, for oxidizing ammonia into nitrite and nitrate. Pond organic matter also utilizes dissolved oxygen for its decomposition.
Low dissolved oxygen concentration may lead to higher concentration of ammonia in pond water that poses great threat to aqua species and other zoo and phytoplanktons. The solubility of oxygen in water also decreases with rising pond temperature. If the total oxygen demand of the system, which includes fish, bacteria and submerged plants , exceeds the dissolved oxygen levels, the aquatic species are likely to suffer. Low level of dissolved oxygen leads to reduction in growth, increased susceptibility to diseases and even mortality.
