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Significant variability in methane emissions from (sub)tropical aquaculture ponds driven by biogeochemical and
Qianqian Yang1, Yue Huang2, Shuai Chen3
1Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Journal of Environmental Management
|April 16, 2026
Summary
Aquaculture ponds emit significant methane (CH4). Fish ponds show highest emissions, driven by ebullition, temperature, and organic matter, with salinity acting as a suppressor.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Climate Change Research
Background:
- Aquaculture ponds are recognized as significant sources of methane (CH4) emissions.
- The precise mechanisms governing CH4 production and release across varied aquaculture systems remain inadequately understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate CH4 emissions (FCH4) and their controlling factors in diverse aquaculture pond types.
- To elucidate the roles of management practices, environmental variables, and microbial communities in regulating CH4 flux.
Main Methods:
- Conducted field studies across 20 aquaculture ponds in (sub)tropical southern China.
- Quantified CH4 emissions and analyzed environmental parameters, organic substrates, and methanogen communities.
Main Results:
- Substantial CH4 emissions were observed, with significant variations among fish, shrimp, and crab ponds.
- Ebullition dominated CH4 release (>70%), influenced by salinity, organic matter, and temperature.
- Higher temperatures amplified CH4 emissions, particularly ebullition, with a synergistic effect with organic substrates.
Conclusions:
- Aquaculture ponds, especially in subtropical regions, have considerable CH4 emission potential.
- Salinity, organic matter, and temperature are key regulators of CH4 flux, impacting methanogen activity and community structure.
- Findings offer a framework for assessing aquaculture's contribution to global CH4 budgets and inform mitigation strategies.
Keywords:
(Sub)tropical regionsAquaculture pondsMethane emissionsMicrobial communityOrganic matterSalinityTemperatureMore Related Videos
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