Assessment of Environmental Impact of Aquaculture Ponds in the Western Delta Region of Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract Aquaculture is persistent and well established in the delta region of Andhra Pradesh. In recent years, the expansion of aquaculture can confer positive economic growth in the newly formed state. However, the enormous expansion of aqua ponds increases the effluents from aquaculture contains a variety of chemical compounds that could cause negative impacts when released into the environment. This paper presents the effect of un-engineered aquaculture on the environment in the delta region of Andhra Pradesh. The rate of expansion of aquaculture practice in the delta region has been done by using remote sensing and geospatial information system. An experimental investigation was carried out for both soil and water samples collected in the aquaculture ponds, to evaluate the water quality parameters, soil characterization, and soil-contaminant interaction. Based on the geospatial data and field survey, the aquaculture practice in the delta region of Andhra Pradesh was intensive and extending towards the northeast from the southwest. In between 2016 and 2020, aquaculture practice was significantly increased by 6.08%. Moreover, water quality parameters and pond bottom soil show a higher concentration of the ammonia and nitrates. Further, aquaculture leachate may interact with the subsoil and have a negative impact on soil mineralogy and hydraulic conductivity. Extensive experimental data and field surveys revealed that adequate guidelines should be needed to control the pollution load on the ecosystem.