A Comparative Evaluation of Biofloc-Based and Conventional Aquaculture Systems on Water Quality and Health Parameters of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Mohammadian, Takavar; Valipour, Ali; Mesbah, Mehrzad; Alishahi, Mojtaba; Mokhtari, Mohammad Reza; Dixson, Brian; Samiee, Sepideh

Volume 18, Issue 2 (Summer 2026) 3 2026, 18(2): 15-29 | Back to browse issues page

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Mohammadian T, Valipour A, Mesbah M, Alishahi M, Mokhtari M R, Dixson B et al . A Comparative Evaluation of Biofloc-Based and Conventional Aquaculture Systems on Water Quality and Health Parameters of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio). 3 2026; 18 (2) :15-29
URL: http://jmb.ahvaz.iau.ir/article-1-1112-en.html

A Comparative Evaluation of Biofloc-Based and Conventional Aquaculture Systems on Water Quality and Health Parameters of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Takavar Mohammadian

, Ali Valipour

, Mehrzad Mesbah

, Mojtaba Alishahi

, Mohammad Reza Mokhtari

, Brian Dixson

, Sepideh Samiee

Department of Livestock, Poultry and Aquatic animal Health, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. & Center for International Scientific Studies and collaboration (CISSC), of the Ministry of Science Research and Technology of Iran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract: (11 Views)

This study was conducted to compare biofloc-based culture systems and a semi-closed recirculating system in terms of water quality and physiological health indices of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) at two scales: laboratory scale (250‑L tanks, 90 days) and semi-industrial scale (100‑m³ ponds, 120 days). Three treatments were evaluated with three replicates each: (1) semi-closed recirculating system (control), (2) biofloc system without bacterial supplementation (BFT) with a C/N ratio adjusted to 15:1 using molasses, and (3) biofloc system supplemented with indigenous probiotics (Bacillus foraminis and B. amyloliquefaciens) at a dose of 1×107CFU/ml every 30 days (BFT+P). Water quality parameters including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrite, and alkalinity were periodically measured. In addition, antioxidant enzyme activities—catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed as indicators of oxidative stress. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test at a significance level of p < 0.05. The results showed that in both experimental phases, biofloc systems particularly the BFT+P treatment demonstrated superior performance in controlling nitrogenous compounds, as evidenced by a faster and more stable reduction in ammonia and nitrite after their initial peak (p < 0.05). However, TDS levels were significantly higher in the biofloc system without probiotic supplementation (p < 0.05). Dissolved oxygen exhibited greater stability in probiotic-supplemented treatments. Although alkalinity declined over time in all systems, no significant differences were observed at the end of the culture period. Regarding biological indices, CAT and SOD activities significantly increased in both biofloc systems from day 30 onward (p< 0.05), while MDA levels significantly decreased compared to the control system, indicating reduced oxidative stress. GSH levels did not differ significantly among treatments. The highest enzymatic activity was observed in the BFT+P treatment, although no significant difference was detected between the two biofloc treatments. Overall, the findings suggest that biofloc technology particularly when combined with indigenous probiotics can improve water quality and enhance the antioxidant defense system, thereby providing more suitable conditions for intensive culture of common carp and serving as a sustainable alternative to conventional aquaculture systems in optimized water resource management.

Keywords: Biofloc technology, water quality parameters, fish health indices, common carp, sustainable aquaculture.

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Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2026/05/17 | Accepted: 2026/08/16 | Published: 2026/08/16