What microorganisms do in a pond
Microorganisms act directly or indirectly on the farmed species and the environment:
Breaking down waste to keep water quality normal
They decompose feces, feed residues and phytoplankton residues, and through oxidation, reduction, photosynthesis, assimilation and dissimilation convert organic matter into simple compounds — keeping the water quality normal and the ecosystem balanced.
How microorganisms drive the carbon cycle
They participate in the carbon cycle mainly by transforming carbon compounds, especially nitrogenous and carbonaceous organics, through fermentation and oxidation:
Aerobic surface zone versus anaerobic bottom zone
Oxidation in the surface aerobic zone and anaerobic fermentation in the bottom anaerobic zone convert carbon-containing substances into CO₂ for plant photosynthesis.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What do microorganisms do in a pond? A: They act directly or indirectly on the farmed species and on the environment, and the largest part of that work is breaking down waste.
Q: How do they keep water quality normal? A: They decompose feces, feed residues and phytoplankton residues, and through oxidation, reduction, photosynthesis, assimilation and dissimilation convert organic matter into simple compounds, so the water quality stays normal and the ecosystem balanced.
Q: How do microorganisms take part in the carbon cycle? A: Mainly by transforming carbon compounds, especially nitrogenous and carbonaceous organics, through fermentation and oxidation.
Q: What is the difference between the surface zone and the bottom zone? A: The surface zone is aerobic and works by oxidation; the bottom zone is anaerobic and works by fermentation. Both routes convert carbon-containing substances into CO₂ that plants can use.
Q: Why does that split matter when judging a pond? A: Because the same waste is processed by different organisms depending on where it settles, which is why the bottom of a pond behaves differently from the water column above it.
