Variación espacial de la concentración de alcalinidad y dureza del agua de piscinas camaroneras de la provincia de El Oro.

Abstract

This present study analyzes the difference in alkalinity and hardness concentration in relation to salinity in different water bodies within the shrimp farming structure in the El Oro province, Ecuador. The main objective was to assess the variability of alkalinity and hardness in various water bodies and comprehend their implications for aquaculture. The methodology employed includes the compilation of historical and current data, statistical analysis, and surveys of professionals associated with shrimp farming companies. The results indicate variations in the concentrations of alkalinity, hardness, and salinity among different water bodies. The effluents from ponds 20 years ago exhibited an Alkalinity/Salinity relationship with an r-value of 0.182. The Alkalinity/Salinity relationship in the present time has an r-value of 0.369, and most alkalinity values are above 100 mg/L CaCO3, even at low salinities. A similar trend is observed in hardness, where the Hardness/Salinity relationship in effluents 20 years ago showed an r-value of 0.268, whereas the current value is r=0.072. These results indicate the current effective control of alkalinity and hardness in the water, even in low salinity systems. Although the data analysis results show that Alkalinity and Hardness are well managed in shrimp farming, interviews revealed limited knowledge regarding the implications of alkalinity and hardness in water quality and L vannamei culture. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of variations in Alkalinity and Hardness in different water bodies within the shrimp farming structure of the El Oro province.