Nutrient removal in a closed silvofishery system using three mangrove species (Avicennia germinans, Laguncularia racemosa, and Rhizophora mangle)

•We assessed nutrient removal rates using three semi-arid mangroves.•We report nutrient removal percentages of 63% for NH4+ and NO2−.•We also report a nutrient removal percentage of 50% for NO3− and PO4−3.•The three mangroves could be used as nutrient removal in close silvofishery systems. The removal of ammonium (NH4+), nitrite (NO2−), nitrate (NO3−), and phosphate (PO4−3) in a closed silvofishery system was examined using three mangrove species (i.e., Avicennia germinans, Laguncularia racemosa, and Rhizophora mangle). Specifically, six closed tanks were installed for this experiment with a population of 60 Dormitator latifrons fishes per tank. We planted 40 seedlings in each of three experimental tanks separated by species, while the remaining tanks were used as control. During 15weeks, nutrient concentrations among the three mangrove systems presented no significant differences (P>0.05). However, nutrient removal variability was minimum during the last 2–5weeks. Mangroves presented an average efficiency of 63% for the removal of NH4+ and NO2−. Contrary, the average removal potential of NO3− and PO4−3 was 50%. Results from this study suggest that the three mangrove species could be used in a closed silvofishery systems for the biological removal of NH4+, NO2−, NO3−, and PO4−3.