1

FEASIBILITY STUDY ON VIABILITY OF USM

WATERSHED POND
FOR AROWANAS CONSERVING AQUACULTURE

1. INTRODUCTION
The present study reviewed the importance of aquaculture in watershed management. Watershed
is not purposed for storm water catchment and the hydrological unit but they also functional in
preserving green sustainable environment, aesthetic value, economical and provides recreational
area services to campus in USM. USM has two largest man-made ponds that are used for
irrigation, watering livestock, and recreation. Even though most of these water bodies are not only
used for recreational activities, they could provide excellent aquaculture opportunities if they were
properly managed. Ponds also can give attraction to wildlife. It may be difficult to manage for all
of these things simultaneously.
Aquaculture is the farming and husbandary of economically important aquatic animals and plants
under controlled condition. (Santanam et al 1987). Hence careful aquaculture generates, much
more income than any agriculture and allied commodities, Inland aquaculture has got high
employment generation aspects. Therefore the efforts of our scientists in standing techniques and
transferring them from lab to land are commendable.
For the fish, Asian Arowana, or also known as Golden Dragon Fish, inhabit in lakes and deep
parts of swamps, flooded forests and stretches of deep rivers with slow currents and dense. The
population of this species is at very low densities throughout its range significant that declines in
the past. It is also has been a highly valued species in the international aquarium trade since the
1970s and has been listed CITES since 1975. There are a number of registered CITES breeders in
Asia and the specimens they produce can be imported into several nations.
The Asian Arowanas are listed as endangered by the 2006 IUCN Red List. they have been
harvested heavily by aquarium collectors. However, habitat loss is likely a greater threat than
aquarium collecting. There is no recent evaluation of conservation status by IUCN.
A study has to be carry out to handle this species in the USM pond and proper management of the
fish aqua cultural pond can imposed art as a science that could be equivalent with USM objectives.
As research continues and the results are developed into recommendations, pond management will
become more successful. The entire watershed area of a proposed pond must be investigated to
determine whether runoff might be polluted. The art of pond management is a necessity.
Aquaculture production also could give a lot of benefits in contributing a little less financial to the
socio-economy if it is developed. Integrated approach suggest the integration of technologies
within the natural boundaries of a drainage area for optimum development of land, water, and
plant resources to meet the basic needs of people and animals in a sustainable manner.


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2. PROBLEM STATEMENT
The purpose of this study is to conduct a preliminary study of analyse the viability of water
catchment area whether it is suitable or not for Arowana condition for aquaculture and breeding
activity and assess a sustainable ecosystem solution. Also, to be profitable, an aquaculture pond
must be sited properly and designed for efficiency. An inaccessible location, leaks in the pond,
poor seining conditions, or lack of good quality water will drag an aquaculture enterprise to
failure. Does Tasik Harapan meet the requirement for Arowana aquaculture program? If does not,
what requirement do we need to improve the lake condition and to make it suitable to raise
Arowana fish?

3. OBJECTIVES
The objective of this project is to study the condition of watershed lake in USM and to propose
improved watershed facilities which can improve the treated effluent wastewater quality at
Universiti Sains Malaysia and to implement Arowana fish aquaculture raising to achieve a greater
sustainable environment of biodiversity. A new treatment facility should have a footprint area of
25% compared to the present treatment pond, as the area around the current treatment pond is
planned for recreation. The upgraded treatment facilities must also be able to perform a better
treatment of the watershed compared to the system used today and proposing Arowana
aquaculture to the pond. The requirement is that the effluent can comply with an effluent of
Standard A quality according to Malaysian directives. Futhermore, to be the first R&D research
centre that translate the watershed approach principles into practice, specialized in Arowana
aquaculture that sustain in the watershed area which could enhance environment, agriculture and
socio-economy industries in Malaysia.
An sequel and extension study should also be carry out to discover
-Developing the technique of farming and hatchery operations for Arowana.
-Composite fish culture of Arowana.
-Intensive Arowana culture and its hatchery technique.
-Better synthetic substitutes for net making material
Indigenous feed and production of value added products. While development and transfer of
newer technologies can be implemented through the combined efforts of technocrats,
entrepreneurs, development agencies and financing institutions etc., development of newer
technologies or improvement in existing technology for successful commercial application can
solely be done by fisheries scientists.
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4. PHYSIOGRAPHY OF THE STUDY AREA

Location Of Study Area
USM main campus is located within a tropical island of Penang, Malaysia. In the USM Campus,
there are 2 lakes, the Tasik Harapan which ranged 0.80 hectares and Tasik Aman which ranged
0.58 hectares, which is the watershed of drainage and mainly from uphill source and there is a
major drainage that crosses between the two lakes. To maintain the landscape view for both of
these lake, a 20 meter buffer is preserved from the surrounding lakes. They are reserved for future
development located in the buffer zone of the lake. Tasik Harapan is located next to School of
Pharmacy and Fajar Harapan hostel and also Fajar Harapan cafeteria.
We received Tasik Harapan as the selected area and site plan to carry out the water quality and
water condition studies so that we can purpose the Arowana aquaculture activity.


UPPER MAIN STREAM









TASIK HARAPAN
-Site reciting
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Climate
The climate of south Pulau Pinang is classified as tropical monsoon climates since it is lies in
tropical region close to the equatorial line with with temperatures ranging between 21 to 32C all
year around and receive more than 2,500 mm of rainfall every year. For the past five years, the
frequency and magnitude of floods have been relatively high. The climate is humid with an
average relative humidity around 90% (Richmond et al., 2007). The precipitation comes in form of
short but also heavy rain showers and the average rainfall in Pulau Pinang is around 2400 mm
each year (World Meteorological organization, n.d.). The rainiest periods are from March to May
when Pulau Pinang is influenced by the southwest monsoon and November to December when the
northeast monsoon arrives. Floods have become
the most significant type of natural disaster for
Pulau Pinang in terms of the population
affected, financial losses and adverse socio-
economic impact. The effect of rainfall duration
on the magnitude of peak flood discharge as a
function of watershed size. The climate of the
watershed is marked by large fluctuations in
temperature and precipitation. The storm water
is usually not connected to the wastewater
treatment systems. This is also the case at USM
where the storm water is led through channels
and ditches directly to the local watershed.




Water Quality
Water quality is critical to the beneficial use of pond, but the parameters and levels of concern will
vary depending on the intended use of the pond. For example, water quality criteria are much
different in ponds used for animal watering or human drinking water compared to ponds used for
irrigation or fish agriculture. Water quality also plays a critical role in determining the types and
number of fish species that can live in all ponds, as well as their growth and survival rates.
Although there are still fish and other wild life presents in tasek Harapan, water quality is
complicated by the fact that many parameters will vary seasonally and from year to year and by
differences in water quality between the source and the pond. Changes in water quality are normal
and acceptable provided that drastic changes do not occur in a very short time period, changes do
not exceed extreme limits, and changes are caused by pollutants that are directly or indirectly
problematic.


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Physical Water Quality

Temperature
During the day, the lake waters often warm up to temperatures higher than that of the inflowing
stream. In the tropics, the temperature ranges generally lie within that for production and the
significance of temperature on dissolved oxygen levels is less significant than that of organic
loading on dissolved oxygen. The lake has constant flow through of water, therefore results into a
reduction of pond water temperatures. The higher the pond water temperature is, the lower the
solubility of dissolved oxygen in water.

Dissolved oxygen
Most of the dissolved oxygen in Tasik Harapan is generated as a result of photosynthesis by
phytoplankton (microscopic plants). Some oxygen is also incorporated into the water from the air,
especially when the wind blows over the water surface and creates water movement (mixing).
Photosynthesis occurs only in the column where sunlight can penetrate because sunlight is a
catalyst to the process. Sunlight in ponds penetrates to a depth of 30 to 80 cm depending on the
levels of water turbidity.
Also, shade from trees surrounding tasik Harapan will reduce sunlight penetration and
photosynthesis. During the day, oxygen is generated. At night, however, the phytoplankton within
the pond use up the dissolved oxygen in a process called respiration. During respiration, carbon
dioxide is produced and it dissolves into the pond water. Because carbon dioxide is a weak acid, it
causes the pond pH levels to drop at night.
Therefore, dissolved oxygen levels in the pond are normally at their highest late in the afternoon
and lowest after midnight towards early hours of the morning. Dissolved oxygen levels are
reduced on cloudy days due to the reduced intensity of sunlight. The pH levels also fluctuate in a
similar fashion to dissolved oxygen. pH is normally being highest late in the afternoon and lowest
in the early hours of the morning. This is because acidic carbon dioxide is used during the day for
photosynthesis and carbon dioxide is produced at night from respiration. The other factors that
affect the levels of dissolved oxygen lake are water temperature, organic loading and the number
and size of fish as well as other aquatic animals in the pond.

Muddy water
Muddy or cloudy water is often seen perhaps the most common pond water quality problem. Since
this lake has been built long time ago, muddy water is aesthetically undesirable, makes the view
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displeasing, reduces fish growth, and interferes with fish reproduction. It may be caused by ero-
sion from mown grass left overs, by livestock wading in the pond, by wave action eroding the
banks, and by the feeding action of some bottom-dwelling fish.
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Chemical water quality
Chemical water quality in this lake is varies. This is important not only for fish but also for
other pond uses like animal watering and swimming for example birds and tortoise in the lake.
Changes in chemical water quality also are usually responsible for excessive growth of aquatic
plants and algae. Brief descriptions of some of the most important parameters are given below.
pH
The pH of a pond is a measure of the water acidity. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, with values
less than 7 indicating acidic water and values greater than 7 indicating alkaline water. Most fish
species prefer a pH in the range of 6 to 9, although values as low as 5 may be suitable for brook
trout. Ponds with a pH less than 6 are common in Tasik Harapan and may result in stunted or
reduced fish populations.

Nutrients
Excessive nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are a common problem in any ponds or
lake. These nutrients usually originate from fertilizers or animal wastes applied within the pond
watershed. They cause excessive growth of aquatic plants and algae that plague many ponds
during hot season. Nutrient levels in pond water can be measured by testing for ammonia,
nitrate, and phosphate. Measurable amounts of ammonia or phosphate may be problematic.
Nitrate levels in excess of 100 mg/L may be dangerous for animal watering.
But in this case, they are neglected and act as constant variable. Nutrient management
techniques and best management practices such as vegetated buffer strips and limited use of
fertilizers and manures near ponds are necessary to reduce nutrient levels and restore the pond
ecosystem.

4.1 POLLUTION SOURCES
Domestic Sewage
There are limited present types of wastewater disposal systems in the catchment include
individual septic tanks; communal septic tanks; im-hoff tanks followed by trickling filters;
other secondary treatment system.
Individual and communal septic tanks are the wastewater treatment systems used at about 90
percent in USM and are excluded for the watershed. After the privatisation of the
sewerage facilities, the responsibility of maintenance and de-sludging the individual septic
tanks are used for water supply tank and now falls under the sewerage company of Perbadanan
Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang.



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Non-point source pollution
Non-point source pollution is defined as the runoff transport of element from disperse sources
on the land to streams. Non-point source pollution occurs when rainfall, or irrigation flows
over land or through the ground, picks up pollutants, and transfer them directly into stream.
Sediments, nutrients, and pesticides are some of the element that contribute to non-point source
pollutants. Sediments are particles that settle at the bottom of a stream or bodies of water.
Dissolved solids are particles smaller than 45m that are dissolved in water. Dissolved solids
may lower the oxygen content of surface water and can deliver contaminants to the flora and
fauna of the aquatic life. Suspended solids are particles greater than 45 m and are transported
by water. Nutrients, chemicals, and metals adsorbed to suspended solids enter streams as a
result of soil erosion and thus impair the water quality. Nutrients, mainly nitrogen,
phosphorous, and potassium can threaten associated water resources. They create algae and
aquatic weed conditions in water bodies and accelerate the eutrophication of lakes.

Soil type, tillage practices, and climatic conditions govern the potential of these chemical
transports from land to water. Excessive pesticide application on decoration plants surrounding
on land surfaces can contaminate water by leaching through the soil profile or by running off
the field surface into nearby water bodies. As a result, toxic materials from pesticides are fed
into the streams which could harm the fish ecosystem when the water quality standards are not
met.

Eutrophication is often caused by non-point source pollution from development, chemical
waste disposal and landscaping activities. For example, mass of mown grass spilling all over
the lake from mowing activity. It is a widespread environmental and the most common
impairment of surface waters. Eutrophication results in the growth of algae and aquatic weeds
that interfere with water use, and can affect fish health problem. Although Tasik Harapan
watershed addresses pollution from many sources, one most contributor to pollution is from the
littering food waste into the drainage from the canteen nearby, which have been identified as
key contributors of fats, oils, grease to the pond.

Atmospheric dispersion is also an important source of non-point source pollution. Pollutants,
nutrients, and pesticides that exist in the air are transported into the watershed area either by
wet deposition or by dry deposition. One of the most effective methods to address non-point
source pollution is to intercept it between the source and the water. In some areas, riparian
buffers are being preserved or created near waterways in an effort to filter out pollutants carried
from higher elevations in the watershed. As the runoff moves through the riparian zone,
sediment, nutrients, and some heavier pollutants are deposited, preventing them from reaching
the water. At the edge of farms, buffer zones separate sediment out of runoff and prevent the
erosion of nutrient rich soils. In developed areas, detention ponds are used to collect runoff and
distribute it into the storm water system over a gradual period of time, which allows pollutants
to settle or filter out of the water before they reach any natural surface waters

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Sediments are particles that settle at the bottom of a stream or bodies of water. Dissolved solids
are particles smaller than 45m that are dissolved in water. Dissolved solids may lower the
oxygen content of surface water and can deliver contaminants to the flora and fauna of the
aquatic life. Suspended solids are particles greater than 45 m and are transported by water.
Nutrients, chemicals, and metals adsorbed to suspended solids enter streams and rivers as a
result of soil erosion and thus impair the water quality. Nutrients, mainly nitrogen,
phosphorous, and potassium can threaten associated water resources. They create algae and
aquatic weed conditions in water bodies and accelerate the eutrophication of lakes.
Stormwater runoff water from rainfall that moves over the ground is the most common cause of
water pollution. When stormwater picks up fertilizer, pesticides, oil, soap, and bacteria from
surrounding area, it can pollute our local waters.
Bacteria are microscopic, unicellular organisms that divide through cell division. Fecal
coliform bacteria are associated with waste from humans and other warm-blooded animals.
When found in high concentrations in water samples, Fecal coliform can indicate the presence
of other disease-causing microorganisms.
Climate Change refers to changes in long-term trends in the average climate. Projected changes
in temperature and precipitation may result in impacts to Tasik Harapan water quality and
quantity due to reduced snowpack levels, changes in water temperature, and altered timing and
amount of stream flows.


4.2 Aquaculture
Aquaculture is the husbandry of aquatic organisms. Fish culture, a specific form of
aquaculture, varies from raising baitfish for sport fishing to producing fish for human
consumption. Certain kinds of fish culture can be conducted without interfering with other
planned pond uses, while others require the pond to be dedicated to aquaculture.
Commercial fish culture, like any other commercial venture, has rewards and risks. Both
should be investigated thoroughly by a prospective entrepreneur. Persons contemplating
commercial fish culture will need a basic understanding of biology and water chemistry, as
well as business skills. Fish culture has too many ramifications for detailed treatment in this
publication.





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5. CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF FISH SPECIES

CHARACTERISTIC OF FISH

Asian Arowana, Asian Bonytongue, Golden Arowana, Golden Dragon Fish, is a fairly large
mouth brooding fish which lives in lakes, deep parts of swamps, flooded forests and stretches
of deep rivers with slow currents and dense, overhanging vegetation (We know them as Vasthu
Fish and Ugly big fish moving in circles in every aquarium).
The Arowanas are territorial and aggressive fishes. Therefore, never keep 2-3fishes in a single
tank. Instead, keep one alone or 6-10 together. When in a group, their aggressiveness tends to
be subdued. Notorious as a great jumper, care must be taken to place a heavy object on top of
closed covers. They are known to grow up to 3 feet (90cm) in the wild and can weigh up to
7kg. They prefer neutral to slightly acidic, aged water (pH 6.5-7) and a temperature of 28-32
degree celsius. Depending on tank sizes and number of fishes, it will be good to change 25% of
the tank's water once or twice a week. Never conduct a 100% change in water as it is very
sensitive to Chlorine and other chemicals/medications. Feed live or dead prawns, small fishes,
insects, frogs, etc., once or twice a day. For convenience, half a kilo of fresh prawns from the
market can be frozen into many smaller packets and defrosted daily as required. As the
Arowana is a surface dweller,when deciding on the size of the fish tank, depth is not so much a
factor compared to surface area and width. Young fishes of 6 inch (15cm) can be kept in tanks
of 4feet by 1.5feet by 1.5feet(depth). Adult fishes of around1 feet (30cm) would be better off
with a 6feet by 2feet by 1.5feet (depth) tank.
The population of this species is at very low densities throughout its range following
significant declines in the past. This has been a highly valued species in the international
aquarium trade since the 1970s and has been listed CITES since 1975. There are a number of
registered CITES breeders in Asia and the specimens they produce can be imported into
several nations. Other nations restrict or prohibit possession of this species. Illegal trade does
occur. Habitat degradation throughout the species' range, caused by a variety of human
activities, is now its main threat. A number of swamp habitats have been transformed into
agricultural land. Areas of forested habitat have been logged and transformed into plantations.
Forest fires have impacted most of the species range in Indonesia, especially peat swamp
forests. This species is assessed as Endangered based on a decline in area of occupancy, extent
of occurrence and habitat quality, and levels of exploitation.
Status: Endangered by IUCN, 2006.
Population: The fish is Native to Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam and was
introduced in Singapore. The population of this species is at very low density throughout its
range following significant declines in the past of well over 50%. Populations are currently
decreasing.

Threat: This species has been targeted for the aquarium trade since the 1970s, which has
impacted populations. Now trade is regulated, but enforcement is not optimal and there is still
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pressure on some of the wild populations (the most colourful ones). It is also caught
incidentally in local fisheries. Habitat degradation by a variety of human activities is now its
main threat.




























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6. METHODOLOGY

In order to determine whether the watershed pond is an option worth considering for the
Arowana aquaculture and equivalent to their standard requirement in Tasik Fajar, water
quality, water availability, economic benefit and overall advantages had to be considered.
According to EIA, when analyzing the feasibility of rainwater catchment projects, 3 factors
must be considered: technical aspects which in this case include water availability,
precipitation, demand and water quality; economics including a comparison of the costs of
implementing this system with the costs of obtaining water through other means; finally, the
social factor which include the communitys response to the project, their involvement and
interest. This study aims to analyze all three factors to determine the viability of implementing
the Arowana project in Tasik Fajar. First, the technical aspects were analyzed. These include
water sampling, testing and precipitation analyses. Water samples were collected from different
locations and analyzed to determine their quality. Water quality standards were measured
according to Handbook for Sampling and Sample Preservation of Water and Wastewater at
first stage which is a basic analysis measuring of physical, chemical and microbiological
parameters of water.

Once a sample is taken, the constituents of the sample should be maintained in the same
condition as when collected. When it is not possible to analyze collected samples immediately,
samples should be preserved properly. Biological activity such as microbial respiration,
chemical activity such as precipitation, and physical activity such as aeration and turbidity are
neglected due to lack of laboratory equipment and thus are assumed to be kept constant into a
minimum and standard condition. Methods of preservation include cooling, pH control, and
chemical addition. The length of time that a constituent in wastewater will remain stable is
related to the character of the constituent and the preservation method used.

Water quality data from both locations had been collected at the inlet and the outlet point of
constructed watershed in a clear bright weather. The parameters measured and discussed in this
paper were Biological Oxygen Demand and Chemical Oxygen Demand. However, parameters
such as temperature, and dissolved oxygen were also measured and analysis. Then the
statistical analysis was carried out to determine the correlation between water quality parameter
at the inlet and water quality parameter at the outlet of constructed wetland.

All the samples taken were at daytime with clear weather. Samples from Group 1 that initiates
the activity follow by group 2 were collected at Tasik Harapan. Group 1, which includes the 3
first samples collected which is located at the northern part of the lake connecting to the upper
stream that flows down towards the lake, where as group 2 collected samples throughout the
whole pond while Group 3 which included samples taken at Tasek Aman, located on the north-
east part. All samples were analyzed at simple stage 1 analysis according to the EIA Standard
Regulation. The figure present the sampling dates and locations, are aerial photographs and
maps showing the location of the sampling groups.
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Sampling and testing were the first steps in developing the study. There are twelve samples
were collected at three different locations within the lake. The sample location were divided
into a few sub-location called stations. At each location, 6 samples were collected, from north
area to south of different stations and make them all together to a total of 12 samples. Two of
the locations chosen, groups 1 and 2 are. Samples from group 1 are from upward stream,
drainage and the junction that connects the run-off stream and the lake.
Water availability can be determined by analysing the amount of precipitation that falls
annually in the area being studied. Precipitation are preserved for at least 5 hours before
preceding to the next step.








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Sampling and flow measurements

The sampling procedure included filling plastic containers (each about 1 liter of volume) with
sample water from the influent chamber and one container with water from the effluent
channel. The samples were immediately transported to the laboratory where they were stored in
a cooling room (temperature between 10-13 C). The following day the analyses of BOD and
COD was started. TSS analyses were usually carried out a few days after the sampling. The
procedure for flow measurements is described in Chapter 9.

COD
COD analyses have been undertaken with Hach standard procedure for colorimetric
determination. The Hach reagents used were capable of high range (0-1500 mg COD/l). The
digestions of the reagents were done in a Hach DRB 200 for 2 hours at 150 C (see Figure 7.1).
The analysis has been done with single samples.
The reading of the reagents was done in a Hach DR/4000 and a Hach DR/5000. The average
values from both machines were calculated.

BODs
The manual measuring of BOD5 is done with the following procedure:
- Filing 300 ml airtight bottles with diluted wastewater (The purpose of diluting the samples
was to reach a DO above 7 mg O2 / liter, which may be necessary for a successful BOD
reading after 5 days, as the DO must be above 2 mg O2 / liter at final reading. Dilution 1:1 with
distilled water was enough for this purpose).
- Measuring the initial DO level in the samples with a DO meter.
- Storing the bottles in a refrigerator at 20 C for 5 days.
- Measuring the final DO with a DO meter.

The BOD5 was calculated as the decrease of DO per liter of water.
This method was considered as slightly unreliable as the reading of the DO meters was
difficult. The DO measured DO concentration was not stable over time, hence making it
difficult to predict the final DO.




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Total Suspended Solids
TSS analyses were made by filtering 100 ml of sampling through a microfilter (Whatman,
GF/C glasfaser microfilter). In order to force the sampling water through the filter, an air
compressor was used to create low pressure in the bottle receiving the filtered water (see Figure
7.2). The filters were measured before and after filtering. To eliminate the weight contribution
of water, the filters were dried in an oven at around 110C for one hour after filtering, but
before final measuring.

Lastly, we studied on Arowana demands and market study that has being developed around
Asia and the cost of implementing alternatives system to improve the watershed water quality.
Economic factors also were analysed, the economic benefit of implementing this project with
presence of new technology system and equipment to be used was calculated by studying the
market value of investment needed to operate this project. We also comparing this value with
other alternatives and investment needed to install, operate and maintain the water catchment
system.



















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7. RESULT

Below displayed the location of each stations at selected point . All results of the 12 samples
have included all the six parameters measurement analysis that is required.














17

Water pH of the each samples was more or less similar. The ponds were almost neutral with
pH values ranging from 5.75 to 7.83. The mean values of water pH is 6.79. Highest value of
water pH 7.83 was found in tenth sampling, lowest water pH 5.75 was found in third sampling.

There was a high rise of fluctuation of pH between sample 3 and sample 4 because, in fact
there was none any aquatic living are to be found there compared to other stations. A closer
environmental observation has been given to that particular area, we have found a bed of
floating layer of oils above the surface of the water, where they form a scum layer which
covering the whole area of station 4. The colours of water is pale grey and slightly dark blue.
This scum layer floats on top of the water surface in the tank where Aerobic bacteria produced
by chemical and toxin from disposal of sewage. This is possible since station 4 are located next
to pharmaceutical school where their drainage system are linked at the junction of the station.
Aerobic bacteria need a lot of oxygen to work at digesting floating solids which produces
alkaline effect from their oxidation process. Large amounts of toxic pollutants require large
quantities of bacteria; therefore the demand for oxygen will be high.
Notice on a high peak bumped suddenly between sample 9 and sample 10. This is because of
the presence of green layer on the surface of the water at station 10. It is caused by the
formation of Algae distinguished from animals, fungi, which has increase more alkaline effect.
In natural waters, algae are an important source of food for other organisms. They produces
more oxygen during photosynthesis, adding to the dissolved oxygen content of the water
during the day. pH is important in stream quality because it determines the amount of solubility
and biological availability of chemical constituents in the stream.

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Water temperatures vary between monitoring sites. Temperatures ranged from 23.1 to 30.4 oC
and the sites with the warmest temperatures were in the Tasik Harapan watershed. These
samples sites has covered by trees and shrubs, which increases light penetration and ultimately
water temperature. The sites with the coolest temperatures were in the forested monitoring sites
with water that was being well mixed.

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Dissolved Oxygen concentration in different treatments was found to be more or similar and
very close in all stations. During period, the DO contents of the water found throughout varies
from 2.13 milliliter per liter (ml/l) to 7.86 ml/l. The mean values of DO content obtained are
4.99 ml/l. As we can see station 3 and station 4 recorded a high sudden rise. As stated before,
the process is aerobic and therefore is based on oxygen. Oxygen is used by the microorganisms
to stabilize organic matter. More organic matter requires more oxygen. During daylight hours
photosynthesis operates and oxygen is produced. This process puts DO in the pond water. At
night photosynthesis stops and all the organisms become oxygen consumers which can greatly
reduce the DO levels in the pond. DO levels are also dependent upon depth. Surface levels will
have higher DO levels and as the depth increases it becomes more difficult for sunlight to
penetrate therefore DO levels decline.


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The results obtained for COD at most stations are almost equal to each station
The probable explanation for a slight peaked at the stations 2 is likely because there has high
stream flow observed at station 2 due to rainfall the day before we took where there were some
inorganic material such as plastics and crumpled bottles that trapped between rocks and fallen
tree branches, resulting suspended contaminant where oxygen cannot dissolved.
While there is a high decline from station 3 to station 4 due to higher amount of organic
material that can be digested by the bacteria presents to the toxic and chemical pollutant as
explained above.








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The BOD value in each stations are variously ranged. This is due to various and inconstant
condition of the water. The sample 3 recorded the highest amount of BOD value that is 54.99
mg/L which states that too many dissolved oxygen
Moderately clean water may have a BOD value in the range of 2 to 8 mg/L. Thus we consider
this as Somewhat polluted as the values are seen alternately up and down varied to each
stations. There is a high amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic biological organisms in
the body of water to break down organic material present in a given water sample 3 and sample
11. Usually indicates organic matter is present and bacteria are decomposing this waste.




22





The observed Total suspended solid (TSS) value ranges from 20 mg/l to 1010 mg/l in each
stations. Through the graph, the result of the Suspended Solid that obtain from the stream is
irregular at each station. TSS refers to small solid particles which remain in suspension in
water as a colloid or due to the motion of the water. At the station 3 and 11, the result of the
TSS is highest due to the water flow of this stream is very low and a lot of algae were seen with
broken tree branches that clogged a few floating plastic bottles around the area.










23

8. STANDARD REQUIREMENT

rnamental fish and a bit higher
priced.
is decreasing and extinction. Therefore the species has been protected as a species to control
imported and exported under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).


TYPES OF AROWANA

Originally this three species are considered to be popular. Asian Arowana (Scleropages
Formousus) is divided into three main varieties of Gold Arowana, Red Arowana and Green
Arowana.
Gold Arowana
There are two varieties of gold arowana: Malaysia and Indonesia gold. Malaysian Golden
Arowana is the best kind and beautiful than Indonesian Golden Arowana.
Red Arowana
Red Arowana originated from Kalimantan, Indonesia, but it has produced intensively in local
arowana farm.
Green Arowana
Green Arowana is the most widespread type of distribution in our country










24

POND CONDITION FOR AROWANA'S

-Type of soil suitable for farming arowana are of sandy loam with a clay content of 55% - 60%.
-Water supplies needed throughout the year from either natural sources of water hills, rivers,
dams and lakes. The quality of water required is as follows:
-Temperature: 29C - 31C
-pH: 6.5-8.5
-Dissolved Oxygen: 5ppm
-Alkalinity: 60-100 ppm CaCO3
-Total hardness: 100 ppm
-Secchi readings plate/disk (turbidity): 30 cm
-Ammonia: 1ppm
-Soil pH affects the water quality. Thus liming should be made for the acidic soil and the
quantity of lime required is dependent on the acidity of the soil.
-Soil fertility can be done using organic or non-organic fertilizers with nitrogen concentration
of 0.95 ppm and phosphorus 0.15 ppm.
-Other aspects will be emphasized in breeding activities are the construction and preparation of
the pond. There are :-
1) Site selection
-Suitable sites are areas that are not flooded, far from industrial areas and sources of pollution,
no competition agricultural and industrial activities and have a complete facilities.
2) Construction of pond
- The suitable shape of the pond is a rectangle with a gradient ratio of 2:1 river bank. For ease
of management, the suitable size of the pond area is between 0.2 - 0.4 acres with water depths
of 0.75 - 1.2 meters. The bottom of the pond should be flat and slope toward drains out.
Construction of the reservoir between 20% - 30% of the total pond is encouraged to ensure
adequate water supply sources and water treatment process is done if necessary.
3) Liming
- The construction of pond must fulfil to the parameters of soil and water quality and suitable
for farming activities. Liming is needed if the soil acidic and the suitable types of lime are
agricultural lime such as kapur abu sejuk, kapur abu panas and dolomite.
-Soil pH affects the water quality. Thus liming should be made for the acidic soil and the
quantity of lime required is depend on the acidity of the soil. Soil fertility can be done using
organic or non-organic fertilizers with nitrogen concentration of 0.95 mg/L and phosphorus
0.15 mg/L.

25

9. DATA ANALYSIS













COD always higher than BOD because COD is the total measurement of all chemicals
in the water that can be oxidized in 2 hours while the BOD is measure the total amount
of food (or organic carbons) that bacteria can oxidize in 5 days .
COD is the measure of oxygen used to oxidize all oxidizable material in the liquid
sample. BOD on the other hand measured of oxygen used only by micro-organisms in
the sample to oxidize organic matter.
COD includes both biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances whereas BOD
contains only bio-degradable.
The amount of organic compounds in the pond such as plastic, urban run-off and
domestic sewage.
Organic compounds occurs when large quantities of organic compounds, which act as
substrates for microorganisms, are released into pond. During the decomposition
process the dissolved oxygen in the receiving water may be used up at a greater rate
than it can be replenished, causing oxygen depletion and having severe consequences
for the stream biota.
Organic effluents also frequently contain large quantities of suspended solids which
reduce the light available to photosynthetic organisms and, on settling out, alter the
characteristics of the river bed, rendering it an unsuitable for marine life .



26

10. MARKET STUDY


DEMAND

Asian trade: Top-market importing countries for Arowana
species (2013)


MARKET POTENTIAL
Malaysian Golden Arowana considered as the most precious among ornamental arowana
species in the world, the Malaysian Golden needs its identity to be protected. This is the
sentiment echoed by the North Malaysia Arowana Farmers Association (NMAFA) now; the
Malaysian Golden is being referred by variety of names. The species is sometimes called
Golden Crossback, or simply High Crossback when traded overseas. The main concern of the
farmers association is the name Malaysia that goes missing in the fish market globally, and
may finally forgotten in future and this happens when foreigners trade the fish abroad or when
it was bred outside the country. When foreign customers refer the fish with names other than
the Malaysian Golden, we try to educate them that the fish is a Malaysian thorough bred, no
matter where they acquire it. The simplest way to know is to scan the chip implanted in the fish
arowana breeding farming at Bukit Merah. The area is ideal for Malaysian Golden species
because it is within its natural habitat. Minister of Agriculture and the Director General of
Fisheries Department, had suggested to the officials that the name Malaysian Golden be made a
trademark when they officially visited the Bukit Merah arowana breeding farm. Arowana
Dynasty Sdn. Bhd. Worked together with Fisheries Department towards making the name
Malaysian Golden a trademark but also on patenting the breed.This mean the Government is
looking into the International market without any fraud cases.
27

According to Arowana Dynasty Sdn. Bhd. Chairman En. Mahadi Bin Mat Dah, the Arowana
farming is to be a profitable industry across reports of arowana scam who are taking advantage
of the innocent. The Malaysian Government and Fisheries Department urged the public to be
cautious of fake arowana investment plans. He advises the public to go direct to the farmers if
they are really interested in investing on arowana and they do not appoint any agent to collect
money because deposit taking is illegal. The system that is used by Arowana Dynasty Sdn. Bhd
is profit sharing which is very transparent and not against any law. An investor buys an adult
female that is worth RM18, 000 each and keeps it here for breeding. When her fries enter the
market, the profit is split 50:50. Futhermore, a three-inch Malaysian Golden fry is currently
RM1, 600 and each female arowana could lay up to more than fifty fries at a time.All
transactions that investors do with Arowana Dynasty Sdn. Bhd. are legally compulsory and
contracts are drawn to protect both parties. Arowana could bring good investment benefits
because demand outstrips supply. For example, he cited China where they combined
production of Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia; the only locations that could breed the fish
economically; could only fill 60 percent of the countrys needs for the ornamental fish.
There are 64 arowana farmers at Bukit Merah registered with the Fisheries Department now.
Up to80 per cent or about 360 acres of the total 450-acre specialised zone are already utilised to
facilitate breeding ponds for the fishes. With about 90 or so acres left at the specialised zone,
perhaps the only way to benefit from the lucrative Arowana farming is investing in the profit
sharing scheme offered by established farmers at Bukit Merah
But so far, all transactions that investors do with Arowana Dynasty Sdn. Bhd are legally
compulsory and contracts are drawn to protect both parties. Arowana could bring good
investmentbenefits because demand outstrips supply. For example, he cited China where they
combined production of Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia; the only locations that could breed
the fish economically; could only fill 60 percent of the countrys needs for the ornamental fish.
There are 64 arowana farmers at Bukit Merah registered with the Fisheries Department now.
Up to 80 per cent or about 360 acres of the total 450-acre specialised zone are already utilised
to facilitate breeding ponds for the fishes. With about 90 or so acres left at the specialised zone,
perhaps the only way to benefit from the lucrative arowana farming is investing in the profit
sharing scheme offered by established farmers at Bukit Merah.
Cultural View
In Chinese culture, Asian arowana is thought of as a reincarnation of the divinity of the dragon
mainly because of its having brightly colored, large scales and antenna shaped mustache like
the one of barbel or carp at the tip of its mouth. Moreover, its outstanding appearance and slow
but elegant movement are also the reasons why Chinese people regard Asian arowana as a
dragon. Dragon for Chinese people, according to Panda Aquatic, is very special since dragon
represents good luck, strength and power. Chinese people believe that Dragon casts out threat
from evil and signifies happiness, prosperity, and wealth. During Chinese New Year and other
auspicious occasion, people celebrate with dragon costume and dancing and if a person is born
in the year of the dragon, he is considered that he has a best start in his life. Furthermore,
Chinese people also believe that dragon upholds families' togetherness, is crucial in business
success, and predicts business affairs. Therefore, Chinese people keep Asian arowana at home
and call it as a "Dragon fish."
28


SUPPLIER

Malaysia Office :
AROWANA DYNASTY SDN. BHD
Lot 5480 Terusan Besar
Tebok Pancur, Simpang 4
34400 Semanggol
Perak Darul Ridzuan
Tel : 6013-431 8129, 6017-457 1007
E-mail : arowana_dynasty@yahoo.com





















29

11. REMEDIAL PROPOSAL

Proposals for upgrading of the treatment system
Alternative 1: Upgrading of existing WSP
Introduction
The existing WSP has advantages since it does not consume any energy and the required
maintenance is low. With some, relatively inexpensive adjustments the pond system could
operate more efficiently.
Proposed new design
-Installing screening device
-Rearranging the water flow
-Installing baffles in two ponds








Screening device
The task of the screening device is to separate larger particles from the wastewater and protect
the following treatment steps. The treatment ponds today have no screening device and large
floating objects have been seen in the pond. Except from being an unpleasant sight at the pond
(and especially in the receiving river) the larger objects have been observed to clog channels.
30

According to the Sewerage Services Department (1998) the screening device should have a
maximum clear spacing of 25 mm and be automatically raked, since it serves over 10.000 P.E.

Alternative 2: Upgrading of existing WSP Partly aerated pond

Introduction
As described in Alternative 1, the current pond system can be upgraded to perform better with
minor rearrangements. Since the first ponds are overloaded, mechanical aeration is necessary to
supply the demanded oxygen for optimal degradation. It has n
Since BOD is degraded through the system the load will decrease with every pond. The
overloading is highest in the first pond, therefore the aeration should be installed in the
beginning of the treatment line. Aeration is chosen for the pond. This will decrease the load on
the pond which should operate as a facultative pond, so that it receives an adequate loading.

New design
-Installing screening device
-Rearranging the water flow
-Installing baffles
-Installing aeration













31




Alternative 3: Conventional activated-sludge treatment plant

Introduction
In order to achieve efficient water treatment which can comply with the standard A
requirements and at the same time significantly reduce the land area requirements, a
conventional activated sludge treatment plant is a convenient alternative. Conventional
activated sludge is one of the most expensive alternatives but on the other hand it can guarantee
an effective water treatment when operated properly. As the new activated-sludge treatment
plan will receive wastewater from more than 10.500 PE the total footprint area will be around 1
ha (Sewerage Services Department, 1998). This is according to Malaysian requirements for
how much area is needed for activated-sludge system if PE is considered. One important thing
to consider is that an activated-sludge system is less effective in removing pathogens than a
treatment pond and because of that disinfection is needed after treatment.

-Screening device
Screening device should be the same as described in Alternative 1.
-Grit chamber
The purpose of the grit chamber is to remove heavy particles (sand, eggshells, coffee grounds
etc.) by reducing the flow of the water slightly. Grease is removed from the surface of the tank.
-Equalization tank
First and foremost the activated sludge plant must be able to handle peak flows. The highest
peak flows has been measured during rainfall. High peak flow into a conventional treatment
plant will not only disturb the treatment efficiency but could also flush and remove the
activated-sludge cultures.
There are two ways of dealing with this problem. One is to dimension the activated sludge to
operate under high flows. This is costly since the expensive part of the system must be
dimensioned for a higher capacity. Another option is to build an equalization tank or pond
before the activated sludge plant to eliminate fluctuations in water flow. In that case, the
activated sludge tank will receive the daily average flow, without high fluctuations and
maximum flow. This will benefit the operation on the following treatment steps.

-Primary settling tank
32

The main purpose of the primary sedimentation tank is to reduce the settle able solids and
remove as much pollutants as possible in an economical way. The sedimentation occurs when
the water flow is reduced and particles are able to settle before entering the next treatment step.

-Activated sludge tank
Within the activated sludge tank biological activities breaks down the impurities of the
wastewater.

-Secondary settling tank
After the biological step another settling tank must be installed to separate the biological sludge
from the treated water. The Settlers will have more or less the same properties as the primary
settlers, but with a different settling velocity, which will demand smaller tanks.

-Sludge handling
Sludge will be produced from the primary clarifiers and from the activated sludge tank.

-Disinfection
Since an activated-sludge treatment plant is less effective in removing pathogens than a pond
system disinfection will be needed after treatment. Disinfection can either remove or disable
pathogens so it posses less risk to infect the human community. One of the most used method
for disinfection is chlorination, this method however produce some unwanted substances, for
example different types of acids which are harmful to the environment.
In Malaysia there is a trend toward monitoring of Giardia and Cryptosporidium. As UV-
disinfection has proven effective against these harmful microorganisms we will propose UV-
radiation as the disinfection method used after activated-sludge treatment. It is also projected
that UV-disinfection will improve in terms of efficiency, cost and maintenance as the
technology continues to develop.

33































34



However, there are advantages and disadvantages of the suggested upgrading alternatives.

Alternative 1 : Upgrading of existing WSP

Advantages
+ No energy consumption
+ Low maintenance demand
+ No risk of mechanical failure, reliable operation
+ High pathogen removal
+ Easy to re-construct

Alternative 2 : Upgrading of existing WSP Partly Aerated Pond

Advantages
+ Low energy consumption
+ Possible to control the oxygen supply (to some extent)
+ high pathogen
removal
+ Easy to re-construct

Alternative 3 : Conventional Activated Sludge Treatment Plant

Advantages
+ Good possible reduction of BOD5 and nitrogen,
within standard

+ Reduction of footprint area

Disadvantages
- No possibility to control process
- No reduction of footprint area
- Low treatment of BOD and
nutrients
Disadvantages
- No reduction of footprint area
- Effluent may exceed the existence
effluent limit
Disadvantages
- High energy demand
- Costly to construct
- Consuming excess area
- Low pathogen reduction
- Qualified staff and high
maintenance demand
- High sludge production
35

+ Possible to control and adjust process

Discussion on the upgrading alternatives

The initial purpose of upgrading the treatment system was to reduce the area to around 25% of
the existing area. The biggest proposed system, which is alternative 3 (activated-sludge
system), will demand around 1 hectre which will decrease the existing area with about 50%.
The desired reduction is therefore not possible to reach with the evaluated alternatives. If the
area must be reduced even though the goal of 25% of the existing area is not possible, the
activated-sludge system is the only proposed option allowing some reduction in area. By
repairing the sewer network and reducing the total water flow, the area of the activated-sludge
system could be reduced further. The measures concerning the sewage network could also
improve the treatment efficiency of the pond system. The activated-sludge system is the only
alternative that can give reliable nitrogen reduction if the concentrations are above effluent
standard A. The nitrogen concentrations today are unknown but probably lower than the new
effluent standard from 2009 due to the dilution with infiltrating water. The treatment of
nitrogen may therefore not be necessary under current conditions with high amounts of
infiltrating water. With regards to footprint area and nitrogen reduction capacity, the activated-
sludge is the most appropriate alternative. The effluent concentrations (BOD5 and nitrogen)
will be lowest with the activated-sludge system but on the other hand the system will have the
highest energy consumption.

However, the consequences of the increased energy consumption should be considered. As the
electricity produced in Malaysia origins from around 90% fossil fuels. The increase of energy
consumption consumed by the activated-sludge system will therefore eventually increase the
air pollution. The amounts of sludge produced from the activated sludge (18 m3 /day) must be
handled continuously which is both expensive and demands a qualified labour. With one of the
proposed pond systems (alternative 1 or 2), the de-sludging operations should take place when
the sludge layer has reached the highest thickness according to the design. In the future, the
sludge layer should be measured and recorded on a regular basis in order to plan de-sludging
operations effectively.

Considering the good possible treatment, the low costs and low energy consumption alternative
2 offers, it is a highly recommended option. Since alternative 2 is an upgraded pond version
of alternative 1, it could be possible to first re-construct the treatment ponds according to the
plan of alternative 1. The effluent quality could then be monitored over a period of time to see
the outcome. The sewer network could at the same time be inspected to see if there are easy
measures to conduct against the infiltrating water. If there are locations where storm water has
direct access to the sewer network, minor modifications could have significant impact on the
treatment efficiency. Depending on the demands and outcome, it is then possible to continue
and install aerators according to alternative 2. Alternative 2 will solve the problem concerning
overloading and therefore improve the treatment efficiency further. The aerators could then be
36

allowed to operate under normal conditions and be partly shut down under vacation periods to
save energy.
The surface aerators are simple machinery and should be able to operate without disturbing
breakdowns. If however the aerators would break down if there is electricity blackouts or
technical problems for the pond system designed as alternative 2 will then automatically
operate as alternative 1 instead, with reliable operation. If however alternative 3 (activated-
sludge system) faces failures, the consequences are more serious, and the discharge of polluted
wastewater may follow instantly.
Another drawback of the activated sludge is that it does not reduce the amounts of pathogens in
an effective way. Therefore it should be considered to install some kind of disinfection device
before the effluent is released into the recipient. Chlorination is not recommended since it will
disturb the aquatic life in the recipient. UV-Disinfection can fulfils the task without causing
negative impact on the recipient.
The question the decision makers should ask is whether the better treatment result the
activated-sludge plant gives is justified by the high extra costs and energy demand.



















37



Other Considerations
1. Aquatic plant management
Aquatic plants that withstand equatorial climate, growing in and around a pond provide many
benefits. They help maintain good water quality by reducing erosion and absorbing nutrients.
Plants provide cover for fish and a substrate for the colonization of minute organisms used by
small fi shes. Wildlife will use the shoreline vegetation for concealment and as areas to search
for food. Properly designed ponds with a narrow fringe of vegetation seldom develop
problems. We can maintain access sites simply by removing excess vegetation by hand.
Planting desirable species will allow you to maximize the biological, aesthetic and recreational
potential of the pond.


38

One species of mosquito and several species of freshwater mollusks transmit diseases that can
be fatal, including dengue transmitted from mosquito and schistosomiasis from snail. If plants
or grasses are too dense either at the edges of ponds or in them and in the enclosures, snails and
mosquitoes can live and proliferate very easily. Therefore, plants should be periodically cleared
and dikes should be mowed. The edges of grasses should not hang into the water so that
Arowana fish can effectively eliminate insects or other animals

Ponds or enclosures should never be used as toilets. It is to better use a latrine, if there is one,
or to build one at least 10 m from the edge of the pond or enclosure and from the source of the
water supply. If one has a pressing need while working near the ponds or enclosures,
or the river that feeds them, or the supply canal or the inlet, one should move at least 10 m
away to satisfy this need. Similarly, people should not relieve themselves on a compost heap or
in the vicinity. Pond water is not for domestic use, such as drinking or washing. These minimal
rules of hygiene should be taught to all people with access to the infrastructure.

2. Predators and their Control

Predators are a major source of stress to fish and can also cause significant losses. NOTE:
Large African catfish can predate on smaller ones; so, maintaining uniform sizes within ponds
is critical.

Predators:
1. consume the fish in the pond,
2. consume the fishs feed,
3. may transmit parasites and other infections to fish,
4. scare the fish when they are chasing them up, and
5. cause physical injury to several fish in the process of
hunting.
6. May trans-locate fish to a different pond
The wounded fish left in the pond consequently cannot get to the feed as well as the other
normal fish. This is because, for example, their eyes might be injured or their open wounds
might get infected, etc. Consequently, their growth rate slows and chance of survival drops.
Controlling predators is therefore important in commercial production.


39



The most common predators are:

1. Humans Beings
Provide security to your premises by fencing off and keeping the place active. Some places
have gotten local authorities to recognize how harmful theft is to the development of
commercial fish farming in their area and have enlisted their help in prosecuting fish farm
thieves. As well, be a good neighbour and make sure others appreciate the fact your farm is
there. This can create social pressure to reduce thievery.

2. Frogs and Snakes.
The populations of frogs and snakes can be controlled by keeping premises around clean and
clear. Do not allow bushes to grow aroundthe ponds. Water channels should also be kept clean
and clear. Screen the ponds as recommended. Screens within the water channels also help
reduce frogs access to the ponds. Frogs tend to come into pond areas via the water channels.
Short grass around the ponds reduces
hiding places for the snakes and frogs, which makes them more vulnerable to predation by
hawks and owls.

3. Birds.
a. Wading birds (such as the Milky Stork walk into the pond to catch fish. To control wading
birds, ensure pond average water depths of 1 meter so that the birds are unable to stand in the
pond.
b. Diving birds (such as the king fishers) fly over or swim on the water surface then dive down
to pick the fish. Tying string at close intervals over the pond prevents them from being able to
fly away once they have come down or dive through the strings.
c. Avoid setting your ponds near places where birds can perch, such as having pond under
telephone or electricity wires/poles, trees, etc. These provide a spot for birds of prey to sit,
watch the fish and time when best to hunt them. Tall sticks placed in ponds are excellent
perches for kingfishers. If sticks are required in a pond, they should be kept as short as
possible.
d. Scarecrows or sudden loud noises may be used to scare away birds. However, if this option
is used, change the tactics at least every two weeks. This is because the birds learn fairly fast
that the object is not life threatening and will eventually ignore the scarecrow or noise.

40

e. Learn at what time birds come to hunt fish. Most times, birds come down to get fish soon
after feeding, early in the mornings or late in the evening. Be around at such times to scare
away the birds. Human activity helps to keep birds away.

g. String may be tied across the pond or specifically around the feeding area to prevent diving
and wading birds predating upon the fish.
Cormorants and crows are usually the most nuisance of predators because they fish in groups
can crowd the fish just as if they were a seining crew.

Birds do provide some service by removing unhealthy fish from the ponds. However, some
birds develop the habit of following the feeder and end up removing health fish. So, it is best
stay at the pond until fish have consumed the feed.

Birds can be a bio-indicator. They will begin to gather around a pond where the fish are
having trouble. So, if you see a gathering of birds on your farms, check it out.


4. Monitor Lizards and Otters.
Clear the bush around so that they have no nesting close by. Set traps to catch monitor lizards
and otters. Dogs are also very good at chasing away these predators. Otters are most likely to
show up at night.

It is suggested that you use small 60 cm high netting fences around ponds for the prevention of
invading Arowana. These fences may also prevent the entrance of amphibians, reptiles and
some mammals. You will also find that the seining that you do during the cull-harvesting of
prawns can remove large predators, such as fish, turtles and snakes. Birds are very difficult to
repel or control. Netting or string can be stretched across the top of ponds as a deterrent. You
can use various bird-scaring devices. In general, you should not shoot invading birds because
you may be breaking local bird conservation regulations. The use of dogs as bird scarers may
be more efficient and cheaper than shooting them.






41




3.2.1. Remove Excessive Silt from Pond Bottom
The bottom of the pond bottom should be free of excessive amounts of silt. It should also be
dry and firm before filling. Silt removed should NOT be put at the top of the pond levee (as
this will increase the free board), but rather away from the ponds and/or used to repair the pond
levee slopes. Since much of the bottom silt came from the slopes of the levees. It should,
therefore, be put back from where it came. If the soil is heaped on top of the dykes, it will wash
back into the pond when it rains. Because the bottom silt often contains high levels of
nutrients, e.g. from leftover feed (if the person is a bad feeder) and faeces, it is sometimes used
to fertilise vegetable gardens. However, unless the feed input was excessive, the amount of
nutrients in the silt is often not enough to justify the labour that is required to move the silt to a
garden.

When soil builds up on the bottom of the pond, the pond becomes shallower. Over time, the
bottom mud becomes increasingly anoxic (no oxygen), forming hydrogen sulphide which
lowers water quality for production. This is of particular problem when a farmer overfeeds the
fish, which can often occur when sinking feed is being used. After several seasons of mud
build-up in the pond, the ponds yield and carrying
capacity for the new cycle will, therefore, be lower than that of the previous cycles.
If there is not so much silt, the bottom can be left to dry until the surface cracks slightly before
the pond is re-filled with water for the next cycle. The cracks allow air to enter between the
mud and aerate it. Alternatively, the soil can be disked to aerate and increase the rate of decay
of organic matter which in turn, reduces the rate of formation of substances such as hydrogen
sulphide.










42




12. COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS

The cost is shown in table below and cost benefit analysis of is shown for each alternatives.
The reappearing cost of pond of the existing ponds also included in this account. Labor cost is
higher in running water pond method than other methods. However, labor cost would vary
under each particular case and location. For purposes of computation of labor cost in this paper
it is assumed to be uniform. Miscellaneous costs are available in one year production. It may
cover cost of depreciation, sundries or any item which do not contribute a large percentage to
the overall cost.

ALTERNATIVES 1 ALTERNATIVES 3











ALTERNATIVES 2






43




Overall price of 3 recommendation
















RM 462,080.00
44




13. DISCUSSION
Water temperature is one of the most important factors for aquatic organisms which influence
other physical, chemical, and biological conditions of a water body. Temperature regulates the
growth, reproduction, metabolism and other biological activities as well as feeding intensity of
fish. Therefore temperature has a marked effect on overall production of fish. For 1C rise of
temperature, metabolic rate of fish increases 10%.

During the present study, the high temperature recorded was 28C in the month of April. The
mean values of temperature were 26.5C. The water temperature ranging from 25C to 35C is
suitable for culture of fish. The suitable temperature ranges for production of plankton in
tropical ponds were between 18.3C and 37.8C. The found water temperature of ponds 20.5C
to 36.5C was favourable for fish culture. Arowana require warm water and high levels of
dissolved oxygen to survive. Warm water fish like Arowana and other fish like Tilapia which
has existed, prefer water temperatures in the 29-31 degree Celsius.
In present study water temperature was within suitable range. pH values recorded in the study
area were more or less constant and it was almost neutral. This may be due to the high fresh
water discharge through down stream flow into the watershed ponds. An acidic pH of water
reduces the growth, metabolism and other physiological activities of fishes. The observed value
of pH (5.75 to 7.83) recorded in present study indicate that pH in all treatments were within the
range and suitable for fish culture who reported that pH 6.5 to 8.5 is suitable for pond fish
culture. Dissolved Oxygen is most important parameter of culture pond, because, higher
concentration of DO ensure the higher growth of aquatic animals.
Founded DO in the experimented pond was rich in concentration. The concentration of
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in the present experiment found throughout varies from 6.1 ml/l to 6.7
ml/l. The DO ranging from 5 to 7 ml/l was good for fish culture. Dissolved oxygen content of a
productive pond should be 5 ml/l or more. Temperature and dissolved oxygen are the most
important physical water quality concerns for pond fishes. It is desirable to check these water
quality parameters when they are likely to be least satisfactory.
The analysis of the data shows that the concentration of COD and TSS too high. It seems there
is a significant infiltration into the sewer network. This was confirmed by the flow
measurements done at the inlet into the treatment pond. During rain events the influent flow is
more than doubled and this is something that must be considered when dimensioning a new
treatment facility. During these peaks, the concentration of COD is more than doubled. The
high COD-values are confirmed by higher TSS values during these rain events. The exact
reason for this is unknown but one possible explanation could be that the increased flow in the
wastewater pipes will catch and carry with it deposits from the sewage pipe. Another
explanation could be that somewhere a storm water channel is connected to the sewer pipes and
the water is carrying organic material from the surface into the pipes which ends up at the
treatment pond.
45

The recommendations are to upgrade the system to Alternative 2 and to conduct investigations
on how to reduce the infiltration and storm water flow into the watershed.


14. CONCLUSIONS

Watershed development has become the main intervention for fishery resource management
and rural development. Watershed development programmes not only protect and conserve the
environment, but also contribute to livelihood security. Watershed development activities have
significant impact on groundwater recharge, access to groundwater and hence the expansion in
irrigated area. Therefore, our policy focus must be on the development of these
water-harvesting structures, particularly farm ponds, percolation ponds, wherever feasible. In
addition to these public investments, private investments through construction of farm ponds
may be encouraged as these structures help in a big way to harvest the available rainwater and
hence fish culture activities. In the developing world, the fisheries sector provides the basis for
livelihoods and nutrition for millions of people, and constitutes a significant source of foreign
exchange for many developing economies. This lack of attention to the sector is particularly
problematic given that capture fisheries are currently being fished at capacity, and that further
increases in production will have to come from expansion of aquaculture. There is, therefore,
an important role for developing country governments to play, both in managing capture
fisheries to prevent further stock depletion, and in regulating the development of aquaculture to
ensure that it is both environmentally sustainable and pro-poor. Under such conditions,
fisheries and aquaculture can act as an important and growing source of economic development
in rural areas. Although farm ponds in watershed management are typically constructed to
supply agricultural lands with water for irrigation, livestock watering, or fire control, they can
also enhance the aesthetic qualities of a landscape, provide recreational opportunities, and
supply habitat for wildlife. Farm ponds help to increase the overall health of the watershed, and
can contribute to soil and water conservation. If farm ponds are managed properly, they can
provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and fulfilling other farm needs for many years.
The Arowana is not a cheap investment. The procurement of such a fish generally entails a
considerable amount of expenditures that do not at all stop with the buying of the species itself.
Several other things ought to be bought like a special Arowana tank, implements in thehabitat,
agitators, bottoms, and feeds among others. As an enthusiast of the breed or even merely as an
earnest investor, it is wise to protect your investments by the proper and regular maintenance of
your Arowana tank. Arowana fish like all other species of fish or animals need a balanced diet.
So try and outline the correct types of food to feed any breed of arowana. It doesn't matter if
your arowana is silver, green or red, but it matters that it gets thefull range of food types as no
one food source will have all the needed nutrients. Be very careful when feeding your arowana
live food because it can cause diseases. Lastly, Arowana fish is good investment for local and
International market so make sure to go through a proper channel before investing in this line.
The recommendations are to upgrade the system to Alternative 2 and to conduct investigations
on how to reduce the infiltration and storm water flow into the sewer network.
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However, there is a need to study and further investigation to verify this finding. Hence this
can be suggested and count in consideration when the designing stage for the constructed
wetland under tropical climate is made in order to produce an optimum pollutant removal
efficiency. The efficacy of these constructed wetlands to treat storm water from different
sources varied, and modified wetland designs or active management may be necessary to
improve water quality even further. The findings can be used significantly to enhance the
knowledge in constructed wetland under tropical climate where it can serve effectively for
managing urban runoff using control at source approach.
























47




Reference
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Brad Pusey, Mark Kennard, Angela Arthington Environmental planning for sustainable water
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Pond Construction For Freshwater Fish Culture: Pond-Farm Structures and Layouts (FAO
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Kwik, J. T. B., Z. Y. Kho, B. S. Quek, H. H. Tan & D. C. J. Yeo, 2013. Urban stormwater
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Wani, S.P., Ramakrishna, Y.S., Sreedevi, T.K., Long, T.D., Thawilkal, W., Shiferaw, B., Pathak, P.and Kesava
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