Bioremediation Mariculture in Zanzibar, Tanzania: A Viability Assessment of Using Bath Sponge and Pearl Oyster Farms to Filter Highly Polluted Waters in the Zanzibar Channel

Marine sponges and pearl oysters demonstrate significant potential for bioremediation of highly polluted waters in the Zanzibar Channel, effectively reducing phosphate concentrations by up to 66% (from 3.93 µg/L to 1.33–1.73 µg/L) and converting dissolved nitrates into ammonium, increasing it from 4.01 µg/L to 21.5 µg/L. The study also found that sponges rapidly reduced water turbidity within 36 hours. Conducted in Stone Town, Unguja, this research builds on global bioremediation models while assessing the feasibility of implementing mariculture techniques tailored to Zanzibar’s pollution distribution and local water circulation patterns. Collaboration with private and governmental organizations, along with further scientific research, is deemed essential for successful implementation.

Oakland, H. C. (2013). Bioremediation Mariculture in Zanzibar, Tanzania: A Viability Assessment of Using Bath Sponge and Pearl Oyster Farms to Filter Highly Polluted Waters in the Zanzibar Channel. Oregon Undergraduate Research Journal, 5(1), 46–65. https://doi.org/10.5399/uo/ourj.5.1.3256