UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Shrimp aquaculture is highly influenced by fluctuations in water salinity, which directly affect pond physicochemical parameters, nutrient balance, and overall shrimp productivity. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the effects of salinity on key water quality parameters in low-salinity and saline shrimp aquaculture systems. Water samples were systematically collected from representative ponds in both environments across multiple culture cycles. Standard analytical protocols were used to assess parameters including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), ammonia (NH₃-N), nitrite, nitrate, alkalinity, hardness, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to determine the most influential variables governing water quality variations. Results revealed significant (p < 0.05) differences in ammonia, TDS, and alkalinity between low-salinity and saline ponds, indicating salinity-driven alterations in water chemistry. PCA identified ammonia, pH, and TDS as the major contributors explaining over 70 % of the total variance among the systems. These findings demonstrate that maintaining optimal salinity and nutrient balance is essential for sustainable shrimp production. The study provides valuable baseline data for developing adaptive pond-management strategies, improving shrimp health, and ensuring environmental sustainability in brackish and low-salinity aquaculture operations.