Environmental parameters determinant for vibrio dynamics in intensive Litopenaeus vannamei culture ponds: a case study from the north coast of Indramayu, Indonesia

Abstract

Shrimp farming plays a significant role in global food security and sustainability. However, disease outbreaks, particularly vibriosis (the most common bacterial disease in shrimp), cause economic losses of 43 billion USD globally. Comprehensive physicochemical and biological approach to water quality parameters is critical to identifying the ecological triggers of Vibrio proliferation. This study aimed to analyse comprehensively the determinants of environmental parameters affecting Vibrio population dynamics in an intensive white shrimp culture. Weekly sampling of water quality parameters and Vibrio population dynamics was conducted at Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) intensive culture ponds for 12 weeks, from July to September 2024, on the north coast of Indramayu, West Java, Indonesia. Total heterotrophic bacterial count served as a proxy for the potential presence of Vibrio spp. Multivariate analysis using Pearson’s correlation test, principal component analysis and multiple stepwise regression revealed significant positive correlations between Vibrio abundance and total hardness, organic matter content, and inorganic phosphate content, and a negative correlation with pH. Despite the routine application of Rhodobacter and Nitrobacter probiotics and consistent organic matter removal, the bacterial abundance steadily increased. A notable microbial shift from autotrophic plankton to heterotrophic bacteria occurred around the sixth week of culture, coinciding with the decrease in ammonia and phosphate levels. These findings suggest that physicochemical fluctuations and nutrient surges, particularly phosphate spikes and calcium–magnesium levels, are critical in shaping bacterial ecology. Strategic probiotic and lime dosing, paired with regular siphoning and pH stabilisation, are recommended to mitigate vibriosis outbreaks in shrimp cultures.