What is it about?
Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) experiences, based on the co-cultivation of two or more organisms, have proliferated in recent years; nevertheless, studies regarding the microbiological implications of these farming systems are not available yet.
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Why is it important?
The microbiological conditions of shellfish and surrounding rearing environment were investigated during a pilot polyculture system (fish and shellfish farming) performed in the Castellammare Gulf (Sicily). The quantitative distribution of faecal coliforms and enterococci as faecal pollution indicators, together with that of environmental and potentially pathogenic halophilic Vibrios, was determined in two different seasons (spring and autumn). Samplings of surface waters and bivalves (oysters, Cassostrea gigas and Ostrea edulis; mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, and clam, Tapes philippinarum) were performed at stations where integrated polyculture was performed (Impact sites) compared to others (Control sites) where farming activities regarded shellfish only.
Perspectives
Overall, the low levels of microbial contamination detected in the area showed that polyculture did not result in a heavy impact on the surrounding environment. The results obtained in the polyculture experiment performed in Castellammare Gulf suggest the use of this system as a sustainable farming strategy for productive purposes.
Dr Gabriella Caruso
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Scienze Polari (CNR-ISP) Messina, Italy
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Microbiological controls in polyculture farming: A pilot case study in the Castellammare Gulf (Sicily), Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Biochemical Technology, May 2020, Peertechz.com,
DOI: 10.17352/jcmbt.000039.
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