The intensive development of the aquaculture
industry has been accompanied by an increase in
environmental impacts. The production process generates
substantial amounts of polluted effluent, containing
uneaten feed and feces (Read and Fernandes, 2003).
Discharges from aquaculture into the aquatic environment
contain nutrients, various organic and inorganic
compounds such as ammonium, phosphorus, dissolved
organic carbon and organic matter (Piedrahita, 2003;
Sugiura et al., 2006). The high levels of nutrients cause
environmental deterioration of the receiving water
bodies. In addition, the drained water may increase the
occurrence of pathogenic microorganisms and introduce
invading pathogen species