Geomembrane Application in Fish Ponds

Geomembrane Application in Fish Ponds: Roles in Seepage Prevention and Aquaculture Management

Geomembranes are widely used in fish ponds for their significant advantages in seepage control and aquaculture management. Below is a detailed summary of their functions and key considerations:

I. Role of Geomembranes in Fish Pond Seepage Prevention

High-Efficiency Seepage Control

• Made of materials like HDPE (high-density polyethylene) with ultra-low permeability coefficients (≤1×10⁻¹³ m/s), geomembranes reduce water loss by over 90%, maintaining stable water levels and lowering refilling costs.

• Prevent cross-contamination between groundwater and pond water, blocking harmful substances from saline-alkali soils or polluted areas.

  Water Quality Stabilization

• Isolate organic matter, heavy metals, and pollutants from soil, minimizing algal blooms.

• Ideal for marine aquaculture to avoid soil salinization caused by saltwater leakage.

  Extended Service Life

• High-quality geomembranes resist UV radiation, corrosion, and degradation, lasting over 10 years, far exceeding traditional clay liners (3-5 years with frequent maintenance).

II. Benefits of Geomembranes in Aquaculture Management

Pathogen and Sediment Control

• Separate pond water from soil, reducing parasitic and bacterial growth (e.g., Aeromonas hydrophila), thereby lowering fish disease rates.

• Minimize sludge accumulation and harmful gas release (e.g., ammonia, hydrogen sulfide), improving dissolved oxygen levels.

  Enhanced Operational Efficiency

• Smooth surfaces simplify cleaning; residual feed and waste can be removed rapidly after drainage, reducing labor costs for pond maintenance.

• Facilitate high-density intensive farming when integrated with aerators and automated feeders.

  Temperature and Water Quality Regulation

• Black geomembranes absorb heat, raising water temperatures by 2-3°C in winter to extend fish growth cycles.

• Stable pH and salinity levels benefit sensitive species like shrimp and sea bass.

III. Key Considerations for Installation and Material Selection

Material Selection

• Use 0.3-0.5mm HDPE geomembranes for freshwater ponds. For marine environments or rocky substrates, opt for 0.8-1.5mm thickness with non-woven fabric protective layers.

• Choose non-toxic certified products (e.g., FDA standards) to avoid chemical risks to aquatic life.

  Installation Standards

• Compact and level the base, ensure slopes ≤1:3, and remove sharp objects like roots or stones.

• Overlap seams ≥10cm, and use dual-track hot melt welding seams with vacuum leak detection.

  Maintenance Guidelines

• Inspect regularly for damage (e.g., anchor trench edges) and repair promptly.

• Cover geomembranes with soil or maintain water depth >50cm in hot climates to delay aging.

• IV. Economic Analysis

• initial cost：approximately：0.7−1.4/m2(includinginstallation),totaling 4,500 per acre (1 acre ≈ 0.4 hectares).
  

• Long-Term Benefits: Reduce water loss by 30%-50%, lower disease incidence by 20%-40%, increase yield by ≥15%, with a payback period of 2-3 years.

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• Conclusion：

• Geomembranes are critical infrastructure for modern aquaculture, particularly in water-scarce regions, highly permeable soils, or pollution-prone areas. Proper material selection, installation, and maintenance—combined with water quality management—can maximize ecological and economic returns.