Sugarcane bagasse biochar-amended sediment improves water quality, growth, and physiology of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

Aim: To evaluate the effects of sugarcane bagasse biochar as a sediment amendment on water quality, sediment properties, growth performance and physiological responses of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus in freshwater aquaculture systems. Methodology: Sugarcane bagasse was pyrolyzed to produce biochar, crushed and sieved. Pond sediments were amended with biochar @ 1 t ha−1 and 2 t ha−1 and control with no biochar. Three treatments were tested for 90 days. Water quality parameters, sediment properties, growth performance were evaluated. Results: Biochar significantly improved the water quality, reduced ammonia-nitrogen levels, enhanced sediment organic carbon and cation exchange capacity, and improved fish growth performance. Interpretation: Sugarcane bagasse biochar improved the freshwater aquaculture system and fish growth performance, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable sediment amendment strategy. Key words: Nutrient dynamics, Sediment amendment, Soil organic carbon, Sugarcane bagasse biochar, Water quality