Effect of ozone on <i>Vibrio</i> removal in a simulated earthen shrimp pond

ABSTRACT This study investigated the efficacy of ozone treatment on Vibrio pathogen removal within a simulated earthen shrimp pond, conducted in three phases. First, physical and chemical properties of the soil, alongside the Vibrio pathogen, were assessed. Results indicated neutral pH levels, high organic matter, and organic carbon content, with a Vibrio pathogen load of 1.0 ± 0.0 × 103 CFU/mg. Second, ozone treatment was applied, comparing its effectiveness in Vibrio pathogen control between treated and untreated soil sets. The treated set exhibited a significantly lower Vibrio pathogen load (6.00 ± 1.41 × 103 CFU/mg) compared to the untreated control (2.00 ± 2.12 × 105 CFU/mg), resulting in a 97.23% eradication efficiency. Concurrently, ammonia rates decreased with ozone, indicating potential benefits for shrimp aquaculture. Finally, ozone application in a simulated earthen pond over 45 days effectively controlled Vibrio pathogens. In the untreated soil set, Vibrio pathogen levels rose to 9.48 ± 1.73 × 105 CFU/mg, while in the ozone-treated, they ranged from 6.5 ± 2.12 × 103 to 1.25 ± 0.29 × 105 CFU/mg. Shrimp growth parameters, including average daily gain, survival rates, and feed conversion ratio, were compared between groups, suggesting ozone treatment's feasibility without adverse effects on shrimp growth. Water quality parameters remained within suitable ranges for shrimp cultivation. These findings highlight ozone's potential as an effective method for Vibrio pathogen control in shrimp aquaculture, with implications for industry sustainability and productivity.