Water Quality Dynamics of the Karang Mumus River and its Suitability for Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon) Farming

Background and Objective: Penaeus monodon is a robust shrimp species capable of surviving under varying water conditions and seasons. Despite its size and potential socio-economic benefits, it has not been cultivated in the Karang Mumus River due to concerns about water pollution. This study aimed to assess the water quality characteristics of the Karang Mumus River as a potential culture medium for P. monodon during both the rainy and summer seasons. Materials and Methods: An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted. Data were collected twice, in July and October 2023. Shrimp body weight was measured weekly, and water quality parameters, including Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) were analyzed at multiple river locations. The survival rate data were arcsine-transformed before analysis, and all data were analyzed using SPSS, with significance determined at p<0.05 using Chi-square tests for categorical variables. Results: Significant differences were observed in TSS and COD between seasons, while BOD and COD values remained within standard threshold limits. Weekly measurements showed progressive increases in shrimp body weight, with the third sampling location demonstrating significantly higher growth compared to other sites. Conclusion: The findings indicate that P. monodon can be successfully cultured in the Karang Mumus River. Seasonal variations in TSS and COD exist but remain within acceptable water quality standards, confirming the river's potential as a shrimp culture medium.