Role of Native Aquatic Plants in Improving Water Quality and Plankton Diversity in Small-Scale Fish Culture Systems

Abstract

Native aquatic plants have long been recognized as critical ecological components in freshwater systems. In the context of small-scale fish culture, their role extends beyond mere aesthetic value to encompass vital functions such as nutrient uptake, dissolved oxygen regulation, physical habitat structuring, and support for diverse planktonic communities. This review comprehensively examines the multifaceted contributions of native macrophytes including emergent, submerged, and floating-leaved species to water quality improvement and plankton diversity enhancement in small-scale aquaculture ponds and reservoirs. Evidence from global literature consistently demonstrates that the strategic integration of native aquatic vegetation significantly reduces concentrations of Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorus (TP), ammonia and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), while simultaneously promoting the proliferation of phytoplankton and zooplankton communities that serve as natural fish food. The review further discusses the mechanisms underlying these interactions, management strategies for macrophyte integration, and the challenges associated with maintaining appropriate plant densities. Future research directions emphasizing indigenous plant species selection, integrated farming models, and ecosystem-based aquaculture approaches are also highlighted. This article aims to provide a scientific foundation for sustainable, low-input aquaculture systems where native flora plays an instrumental role in maintaining ecological balance and productivity.