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 s itu respirometers. A total of 86 rate determinations were made in nort hwest Mississippi. Calculated SOD rates averaged 4.44 g/m(2) per day a t an average temperature of 29 degrees C. These rates exceeded those r ecorded previously in catfish ponds and may have reflected differences in pond construction and management. Location within the pond, but ne ither age nor location-age interaction, appeared to affect SOD.