Instream community assessment of aquaculture effluents

The regionally concentrated commercial catfish industry has attracted attention to its possible contributions to basin contaminant loading. This study was included in a screening process to establish baseline bioassessment information for commercial aquaculture of the southeast United States. One valuable aspect of the typical drainage system in this industry's landscape is the assimilative capacity and transformation of contaminants associated with ditches. Two extensive commercial fish farm drainage systems in northeast Arkansas and affected receiving streams were examined for their response to potential nutrient related contamination. The research utilized modified Rapid Bioassessment Protocols (RBPs), as applied nationwide, in characterization and identification of potential water resource impairments. Additional biological impairment testing of related pond discharges and affected receiving streams was also conducted to further characterize potential effluent impacts. There was no observed significant toxicity ( P