Abstract:The aim of this study was to explore the effects of different management methods on the sedimentation of particulate matter, related sediments, and water quality indicators in sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) ponds. Nine sea cucumber culture ponds (divided into three groups: water quality regulator, natural tide, and microporous aeration) were used. The average sedimentary and horizontal distribution characteristics of particulate matter were measured in spring, summer, autumn and winter as well as the organic matter content of the mud, total number of Vibrio, nutrient concentrations in the water, phytoplankton biomass, and net primary productivity were analyzed. The results showed no significant difference in the seasonal and horizontal distribution of the average sediment concentrations between natural tide ponds and microporous aeration ponds. The average sediment concentrations in the water quality regulator ponds was (30.33±2.46) g/(m2∙d) in summer, which was significantly higher than in the other two types of ponds, while in winter it was (7.49±1.17) g/(m2∙d) and was significantly lower than in the other two types of ponds (P<0.05). The horizontal distribution characteristics of the average sediment concentrations in the water quality regulator ponds were more than those of the other two groups of ponds. During the same season, the organic matter content, and the total number of Vibrio in the water quality regulator pond sediment were at the lowest level among the three groups, with the microporous aeration ponds being the second lowest, and the natural tide ponds being the highest. The results of this study show that traditional sea cucumber farming is based on the management of natural tides and auxiliary suitable equipment can affect the sedimentation rate of particulate matter, accelerate the exchange of nutrients between the bottom sediment and the water of the sea cucumber ponds, and improve the water and bottom sediment environment.
