Understanding nutrient dynamics in solar saltworks used for Artemia production

The project aims at unraveling and managing the foodweb in Artemia pond production systems by enhancing the predictability of nutrient fluxes and dynamics in sediments and water columns in hypersaline conditions. In an experimental scenario of increasing complexity, the different contributions of various phosphorus species to algae populations, in turn sustaining Artemia production will be elucidated. Interactions with aquatic bacteria will be investigated as well as their possible contribution as supplementary food source to Artemia. Artisanal Artemia production ponds will as a consequence turn into more profitable production systems, devoid of empirism.