Comparison of microbiological parameters in experimental and conventional recirculation aquaculture systems

Article history: Received on: 05/01/2015 Revised on: 22/01/2015 Accepted on: 07/02/2015 Available online: 27/02/2015 The purpose of current study was to compare the influence on sanitary - hygienic parameters of water in recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) using natural zeolite and macrophytes Lemna minor and Elodea canadensis like a part of its filtration system with the microbiological indicators of water in conventional RAS. For the quantitative determination the total number of mesophilic microorganisms in 1 ml of water, and the number of certain sanitary indicative (coliforms, E.coli, Enterobacteriaceae) and pathogenic (Salmonella spp.) microorganism were used textile substrates with pre-installed on them selective chromogenic nutrient media. Microbiological testing of water in the both recirculation systems indicated that the total number microorganisms, sanitary indicative coliform bacteria as well as pathogens from the genus Salmonella in recirculation system using natural zeolite and macrophytes like a filter more rapidly declined their numbers compared with microbiological parameters of conventional RAS.