In situ measurement of sediment oxygen demand in catfish ponds

Sediment oxygen demand (SOD) was measured in catfish aquaculture ponds using a computer-controlled data acquisition system coupled with in situ respirometers. A total of 86 rate determinations were made in northwest Mississippi. Calculated SOD rates averaged 4.44 g/m(2) per day at an average temperature of 29 degrees C. These rates exceeded those recorded previously in catfish ponds and may have reflected differences in pond construction and management. Location within the pond, but neither age nor location-age interaction, appeared to affect SOD.