Alkalinity and Hardness
Alkalinity and Hardness
Alkalinity and Hardness
Litopenaeus vannamei
Definition
Total alkalinity is a measure of the capacity of water to neutralize acids. It also indicates the
total amount of titratable bases in the water, mostly bicarbonates (HCO3ˉ ), carbonates
(CO3²ˉ ) and hyroxides (OHˉ ). Bicarbonate is the main form of alkalinity. Carbonate and
hydroxide can be significant in the face of high algal activity, certain water types, or certain
water residues.
In a L. vannamei culture pond, water alkalinity should not be less than 80 mg/L CaCO3 if
good growth/survival rates are to be obtained (Limsuwan, 2005). When water alkalinity is
low, broad pH variations occurr (Figure 1) resulting in shrimp stress, reduced growth, and
even mortality.
Figure 1. pH changes during a 24-h period in waters with total high or low alkalinity
levels (Wurts & Durborow, 1992.)
High alkalinity levels (200 - 300 mg/L CaCO3) with pH levels >8.5 halt shrimp molting
process due to excess salt losses.
Reducing phytoplankton populations by major water exchange or applying algicidal
products can result in lower alkalinity levels, even though the latter is not recommended,
due to dissolved oxygen losses which can be too stressful for shrimp.
The application of calcium carbonate can also aid to decrease alkalinity since it is a source
of calcium. This treatment will tend to decrease potentially high pH levels during
photosynthesis, since increased calcium ion concentrations will result in the precipitation of
both calcium carbonate and inorganic phosphorus. Both events cause decreased pH.
Low alkalinity
Low alkalinity can result from the inflow of low alkalinity fresh water and/or from the
presence of mollusks such as mussels that absorb carbonated salts and filter the
phytoplankton in the water column as a feed source, resulting in crystal clear, low alkalinity
water.
Sodium bicarbonate and slaked (hydrated) lime are the most appropriate chemicals for the
control of low alkalinity. Even though slaked lime is most popular, we should also
remember that the use of balanced feeds results in increased alkalinity due to the production
of carbonate ions.
Conclusion
In shrimp aquaculture, alkalinity has shown to be a major factor to attain good production.
Measuring this parameter weekly is important for shrimp farming, but in the face of
mollusk (i.e., mussel) fouling or low salinity/low alkalinity water inflow, alkalinity should
be measured more frequently.
It is also important to master the management practices needed for a pond with high or low
alkalinity levels. The appropriate monitoring of water alkalinity and its effect on the health
of L. vannamei will make the difference in terms of production bottom line.
References
● Limsuwan, Charlor. 2005. Cultivo intensivo de camarón blanco. Boletín Nicovita,
Edición Octubre-Diciembre 2005.
● Wurts, W. A. and R. M. Durborow.1992. Interactions of pH, carbon dioxide, alkalinity
in fish ponds. Southern Regional Aquaculture Center Publication N° 464.
Tumpis Edition