An integrated recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for land-based fish farming: The effects on water quality and fish production

To mitigate the serious water pollution caused by the rapid expansion of the aquaculture industry in recent years, the development of improved aquaculture systems with more efficient water usage and less environmental impact has become essential. In this study, a land-based recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) was established that consisted of purification units (i.e., a primary biological pond, two parallel horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands [CWs], and a long ecological ditch) and 4-5 series-connected recirculating ponds. This system was mainly designed to stock channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), fifteen spine stickleback (Spinibarbus sinensis) and yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), and the culture efficacy was evaluated based on a 2-year field experiment covering two growing seasons. According to the results, the primary biological pond played a role in sedimentation or nutrient retention, although this was not as evident when the CWs were functioning. The water flowing through the wetland system at a hydraulic loading rate (HLR) of 600 mm/day displayed lower values for the temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), suspended solids, organic matter and nutrients, whereas the electrical conductivity (EC) was higher, suggesting the accumulation of dissolved solids in the system. Due to the recirculation treatment, the trophic status of the recirculating ponds increased gradually along the direction of the flow and was notably lower in comparison to the control. As a result, the fish production responded to the variation of the water quality, which was reflected in the measurements of culture efficacy (final weight, survival rate, SGR and yield). The three main rearing species showed a decreasing trend along the direction of the flow, which was higher compared to the control, whereas an opposite trend was observed for filter-feeding fish. A Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the main culture species were inclined to live in meso- or oligotrophic conditions, and the silver carp adapted to more eutrophic conditions. Because RAS can provide better environmental conditions year-round, the present culture method could be more suitable for species that are sensitive to water quality in typical subtropical areas.     

Use of fluidized bed biofilter and immobilized Rhodopseudomonas palustris for ammonia removal and fish health maintenance in a recirculation aquaculture system

Intensive recirculating aquaculture relies on biofilters to sustain satisfactory water quality in the system. Fluidized bed and immobilized cell technologies were used to remove ammonia from the water and maintain fish health. A high‐rate nitrifying fluidized bed biofilter combined with valveless filter was designed for use in a recirculation aquaculture system (RAS). The suspended solids produced during fish culture could automatically be removed using a valveless filter. Natural porosity with fitting proportion, steady fluidization and expanding rate was chosen as the fluidized carrier. The technology of bacterial separation and cultivation was used. The immobilized Rhodopseudomonas palustris (R. palustris) produced through a biotechnologically embedding medium is suitable for fish and could help prevent diseases. Nitrification was promoted through the selective rearing of nitrobacteria in a fluidized bed biofilter. Water quality was improved using fluidized bed biofilter and immobilized R. palustris in the RAS. In addition, the proposed system was able to reduce costs. Maximum fish load was 45 ± 3 kg m^?3 in the closed recirculating water fish culture system, and water use was reduced by 80–90%. The total ammonia nitrogen removal rate of the technology was 80–95%, and nitrite N removal rate was above 80%.     

UV treatment in RAS influences the rearing water microbiota and reduces the survival of European lobster larvae (Homarus gammarus)

The rearing environment is important for a stable production of good quality lobster juveniles. By providing an environment excluding pathogens and dominated by mutualistic bacteria, the probability of developing healthy host-microbe relationships and produce healthy juveniles is increased. Disinfection of water and sudden increase in the supply of organic matter in culture tanks are processes that open for uncontrolled microbial regrowth in the rearing water. This increase the variability in the development of the microbiota between replicate rearing tanks and promotes selection for potentially harmful opportunistic bacteria. In two start feeding experiments with European lobster (Homarus gammarus) we compared the bacterial environment in three types of rearing systems: a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) with UV treatment directly in front of the rearing raceways, a RAS without disinfection, and a conventional flow through system (FTS). The RAS with no disinfection was hypothesised to stabilise the microbiota of the rearing water, select against opportunistic bacteria, and reduce variability in production outcome between replicate tanks compared to the other systems. As predicted, the three different systems developed significantly different compositions of the microbiota in the rearing water and the larvae. On average, the survival of larvae in RAS without disinfection increased with 43 and 275 %, in the first experiment, and 64 and 18 % in the second experiment, compared to RAS with UV and FTS, respectively. Also, the RAS without disinfection showed less variability in the survival of larvae between replicate tanks and batches compared to the other treatments. The results are promising for controlling the microbiota of the rearing water to improve, increase and stabilise the production of marine larvae by competent use of water treatment and selection regimes. Based on the presented and previous work, RAS is recommended over FTS, and in RAS it is recommended to avoid point-disinfection of the recirculating water, to provide a stable and beneficial microbial environment in the cultivation of marine larvae.     

Proposal and assessment of an aquaculture recirculation system for trout fed with harvested rainwater

A sustainable aquaculture production involves alternatives, as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), in order to increase the water supply efficiency. This paper aims: a) to propose a method for dimensioning a RAS filled and additionally supplied with water from a rainwater harvesting systems (RHS) and; b) to evaluate the efficiency of the system based on the supply of rainwater from the RHS, the quality of water in the RAS, and the development of aquatic organisms. A pilot aquaculture farm for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) production was designed and dimensioned. On one hand, the RAS with a configuration based on a treatment tower provided acceptable values of pH, TAN, and alkalinity. The temperature was slightly above the recommended temperature but did not negatively impact trout development. On the other hand, the water use efficiency reached 178 L/kg of fish, instead of 210,000 L/kg in an open flow system for trout rearing. The RHS fulfilled the additional required water on the test period of the pilot farm and is expected to supply at least 92% on average during the useful life. Regarding the aquatic organisms’ development, the system allowed both a better Length/ weight ratio and a lesser mortality rate compared to previous studies of RAS. In contrast to other studies in the literature, the mathematical models for dimensioning the system were calculated as a function of the final biomass expected in the tank instead of the quantity of supplied feed. Therefore, this method confirmed the applicability of this alternative criterion for designing biofilters and aquaculture systems.     

工厂化循环水养殖系统中流场特性与鱼类互作影响的研究进展与展望

随着人口与经济的发展,水产养殖业在世界范围内迅速兴起,集约型工厂化循环水养殖因其高密度、低污染、高效率等独特的优势,契合水产养殖业绿色发展理念,已成为水产养殖转型升级的重要方向之一。水作为循环水养殖系统中重要的环境因子,其流态能够直接影响鱼类的生长及福利,同样,鱼类存在及运动也会影响到系统流态的构建。本文综合分析了循环水养殖系统中流场条件对不同鱼类生长发育及福利的影响,鱼类及其运动行为对养殖池内水动力条件及性能的影响,以及鱼类对养殖池内流场流态、水体混合等的影响。将研究鱼类运动对流场特性的影响方法主要归纳为实测法和数值研究,通过对比分析2种方法的优点和不足之处,并结合当前循环水养殖产业系统构建中的问题提出针对性方法建议,旨在为系统中水动力条件的设计拓展思路,促进循环水养殖产业流态构建向“鱼”与“水”兼顾的方向发展。     

A comparison of topologies in recirculating aquaculture systems using simulation and optimization

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are often designed using simplified steady-state mass balances, which fail to account for the complex dynamics that biological water treatment systems exhibit. Because of the very slow dynamics, experimental development is also difficult. We present a new, fast and robust Modelica implementation of a material balance-based dynamic simulator for fish growth, waste production and water treatment in recirculating aquaculture systems. This simulator is used together with an optimization routine based on a genetic algorithm to evaluate the performance of three different water treatment topologies, each for two fish species (Rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon) and each in both a semi-closed (no denitrification) and a fully recirculating version (with denitrification). Each case is furthermore evaluated at both saturated and supersaturated oxygen levels in the fish tank influent. The 24 cases are compared in terms of volume required to maintain an acceptable TAN concentration in the fish tank. The results indicate that the smallest volume is obtainable by introducing several bypass flows in the treatment system of a semi-closed RAS and that the gains can be significant. We also show that recycling already treated water back upstream in the treatment process degrades performance and that if one wishes to have a fully recirculating system with minimal water exchange, then the flows of oxygen, carbon and nitrogen must be carefully considered. For several of the cases, no optimum with denitrification could be found. We thus demonstrate that the best configuration and operation strategy for water treatment varies with the conditions imposed by the fish culture, illustrating the complexity of RAS plants and the importance of simulations, but also that computer-driven optimal design has the potential to increase the treatment efficiency of biofilters which could lead to cheaper plants with better water quality.     

Groundwater water treatment for iron and manganese reduction and fish rearing studies applied to the design of the Ruth Burnett Sport Fish Hatchery, Fairbanks, Alaska

Studies at the Fairbanks Experimental Fish Hatchery (FEFH) were conducted to investigate the operational characteristics of media filtration groundwater treatment for iron and manganese reduction, water reuse and recirculation technologies for fish rearing, and conditions of fish gill tissue during rearing. Results were used to aid in the design and planned operation of the Ruth Burnett Sport Fish Hatchery (RBSFH), currently under construction in Fairbanks, Alaska. Under a two-stage filtration scenario, with hydraulic loading rates of 0.39 and 0.43 cm/s for Stages 1 and 2, respectively, manganese dioxide media filtration typically removed dissolved iron from 5 to 6.5 mg/L down to 0.1 mg/L or less, and allowed for suitable fish rearing and health (based on gill condition) in treated groundwater. Poor water quality from filter equipment malfunction or improper operation typically manifested tissue damage (epithelial lifting, hypertrophy, degeneration, and in some cases iron adhesion) observed in fish gills. Design refinements from initial use, including changes in hydraulic loading rates and transition from single-stage to two-stage filtration, were required for long-term use of media filtration and were included in the design of the future hatchery. Dissolved manganese removal from groundwater (from 0.7 to <0.05 mg/L) was also implemented by continuous low-level potassium permanganate addition. Small-scale flow-through, fully recirculating, and partial reuse rearing systems were used to mimic planned future fish production, and resulted in 97% or greater survival and adequate growth (average specific growth rate between 1 and 2%) and health of rainbow trout during most rearing trials.     

A case study of biofilter activation and microbial nitrification in a marine recirculation aquaculture system for rearing Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

Marine recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) is a prominent technology within fish farming. However, the nitrifying bacteria in the biofilter have low growth rates, which can make the biofilter activation a long and delicate process with periods of low nitrification rates and variations in water quality. More knowledge on the microbial development in biofilters is therefore needed in order to understand the rearing conditions that favour optimal activation of the biofilters. In this case study, we investigated the activation of two biofilters in a marine RAS for Atlantic salmon post‐smolt associated with either high or low stocking densities of fish by monitoring the microbial communities and chemical composition. The results showed that the microbial communities in both biofilters were similar during the first rearing cycle, despite variations in the water quality. Nitrifying bacteria were established in both biofilters; however, the biofilter associated with low stocking density had the highest relative abundance of ammonia‐oxidizing Nitrosococcus (1.0%) and nitrite‐oxidizing Nitrospira (2.1%) at the end of the first rearing cycle, while the relative abundance of ammonia‐oxidizing Nitrosomonas (2.3%–2.9%) was similar in both biofilters. Our study showed that low fish stocking density during the first rearing cycle provided low and steady concentrations of ammonium, nitrite and organic load, which can stimulate rapid development of a nitrifying population in new marine RAS biofilters.     

Effect of turbidity on the ultraviolet disinfection performance in recirculating aquaculture systems with low water exchange

This research was carried out to study the effect of turbidity on the effectiveness of ultraviolet light (UVC) for removing heterotrophic bacteria (HB) from two commercial recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). We developed a simple and straightforward UV disinfection model based on water turbidity to predict the cost‐effectiveness of disinfection. The UVC from RAS1 (12.8 m³, 80 L min^?1, indoor system) was tested at 9.2, 9.9, 16.3, 17.2, 23.1 and 28.2 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) after 24 h of exposure. The RAS2 (140 m³, 1140 L min^?1, outdoor system) was tested at 8.0, 9.2, 11.0, 12.1, 16.0, 24.2, 27.0, 31.3 and 31.7 NTU after 72 h. An increase in turbidity in the water was achieved by rearing Oreochromis niloticus fish. The RAS1 achieved a maximum UV efficiency (89.8%≈1 Log) at 9.2 NTU after 24 h and RAS2 at 8.0 NTU (86.4%≈0.9 Log) after 72 h of exposure. For RAS1, the UVC removed 90% of HB in 24 h when the turbidity was <9.9 NTU. For RAS2, without restrictions on particle size and relatively high phytoplankton abundance, the UV was unlikely to be a cost‐effective way of removing HB at turbidity above 11.0 NTU.     

Productive performance of juvenile freshwater prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii in biofloc system

The aim of this study was to compare two rearing systems for freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii: one with use of a recirculating aquaculture system with biofilters (RAS) and another with use of microbial flocs (F). Thirty postlarvae of freshwater prawn with an initial average weight of 0.13 ± 0.05 g were randomly stocked in six experimental units with 0.20 m² and volume of 50 L. The experiment lasted thirty days. Dissolved oxygen, temperature and pH were monitored daily; ammonia concentration was determined three times per week; nitrite concentration, alkalinity and hardness were measured weekly. For the formation of microbial floc, molasses was used to keep the ammonia concentrations within safe levels for prawn farming. The variables of water quality remained within the suitable range for the production of the species, except for ammonia concentrations at the F treatment, which exceeded the safe levels. At the end of the experiment, the following parameters were evaluated: survival, specific growth rate, weight gain and feed conversion rate. Differences were found only in feed conversion rate with better values on RAS treatment. The microorganisms present in the RAS and F treatment were also evaluated. The densities of rotifers, amoebas and total bacteria were higher at the F treatment although the same organisms were found at the RAS treatment. The results of this study showed the possibility of rearing M. rosenbergii in biofloc system technology.     

A comparison of larval production of the northern scallop,Argopecten purpuratus,in closed and recirculating culture systems

Northern scallop Argopecten purpuratus aquaculture relies on an efficient all year-round larval supply. Larvae are generally produced in closed aquaculture systems (CAS) using the batch techniques with periodical water changes. For instance, survival rates are greatly variable and can range from 0 to 80% making production of scallop larvae uncertain. The main goal of this study was to determine the feasibility of rearing scallop larvae in a recirculating aquacultural system (RAS), and secondarily to compare scallop larval growth rate and time length to reach the settling stage when reared with a traditional Chilean CAS technique and in a novel RAS technique in an industrial-like approach.Several batches of larvae were cultured in CAS and RAS. Larvae were fed on Isochrysis galbana cultured in 35-L tubular photobioreactors. Growth rates were significantly different (F_11,2840 = 274.66; p < 0.001). All scallop larvae cultured in CAS showed lower growth rates ranging within 4.49 and 7.30 μm day^?1 and protracted period of culture until settlement (at least 10 more culture days) than those reared in RAS (growth rates between 9.56 and 13.15 μm day^?1). However, final survival (from D-larvae until settlement) of larvae reared in CAS showed higher values than those values recorded for larvae cultured on RAS. Higher growth rates observed in RAS could be attributed to a reduction in daily manipulation of the animals and/or more feed availability as well as higher temperatures and a steady state conditions in water quality. Even though, the reduction in time for rearing larvae until settlement in RAS was high, the comparison between systems is more significant in view of the reduction in make up seawater from 100% of system volume (CAS) to less than 10% of system volume (RAS). Therefore, RAS was independent from daily water quality variation from natural seawater by increasing water retention time, and with that improve water quality steady state conditions. Results of this research show that a more efficient use of water and heating systems than generally used in the Chilean hatchery industry is achievable. This is an important result since it could lead to significant reductions in the cost of operating a scallop hatchery, however further work is required to accurately compare the two systems (CAS and RAS). The main result from this research is that scallop larvae can be cultivated using recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) as a method to increase production. The information reported in this paper will be useful for the improvement of scallop larvae culture techniques under controlled conditions.     

Solids removal at a recirculating salmon-smolt farm

The objective of this study was to determine the solids separation efficiency of the four swirl separators and the drum filter within one of the water recirculation systems (RAS) of a salmon-smolt hatchery. Water flowrates and concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS) within the RAS were measured weekly over 5 weeks in 2004 and 4 weeks in 2005. During the study, the hydraulic retention time in the tanks was 2.8 h and the feed rate ranged between 0.16 and 0.84 kg/m³ of make-up water. The system volume replacement rate and the water flow recycle rate were respectively 21%/day and 96% in 2004, and 50%/day and 91% in 2005. A mathematical model was developed to determine the transient concentration of fine particles in the recirculation loop. By fitting the predictions of the model to the measured TSS concentrations, it was determined that about 15% of the waste generated within the RAS (assumed equal to 20% of daily feed rate) was removed by the system overflow water. Using this information and TSS data from the backwash water of the drum filter, it was calculated that the swirl separators and drum filter removed respectively 63% and 22% of the waste solids rejected by the fish.     

Non‐specific cellular defence mechanisms of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in intensive and extensive rearing technologies

Water as a habitat is highly variable in terms of the physico‐chemical properties. The aim of the studies was to analyze the quality of the technology by evaluating the non‐specific cellular defence potential of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in diversified intensity culture systems and in different periods of the breeding cycle. The evaluation was conducted in order to establish the scientific basis for the development of principles for recognition of the culture of this species as ‘organic’. Six rainbow trout rearing farms were selected for the studies and divided into two equal groups according to the production technology: farms with a flow through system (with single water usage – OOH) and facilities with multiple water usage via its backflow (re‐circulating system – RAS). The samples for tests were taken from 20 individuals from each fish farm. In all fish that originated both from OOH‐type farms and RAS operations, an increase in the activity of non‐specific cellular immunity in the autumn was observed. Statistically significant reduction in the activity of cellular defensive mechanisms in small (300–500 g) and big (501–850 g) fish occurred on two 3‐OOH and 3‐RAS farms in spring and autumn in 2011. During these periods, the research has shown the presence of Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus (IPNV), which provoked an immune suppression. Based on the obtained results it is concluded that there were no significant differences in the parameters of non‐specific cellular immunity in rainbow trout originating from different farming systems OOH and RAS.     

Depuration system flushing rate affects geosmin removal from market-size Atlantic salmon Salmo salar

Common off-flavor compounds including geosmin (GSM) bioaccumulate in fish cultured in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) resulting in unpalatable fillets that are objectional to consumers. Most RAS facilities relocate fish from grow-out tanks to separate depuration systems with increased water flushing to remediate pre-harvest off-flavors, but certain aspects of this procedure have not been optimized including characterization of water exchange rates that effectively diminish off-flavor. To this end, a study was carried out to evaluate the effects of flushing rate and associated depuration system hydraulic retention time (HRT) on GSM removal from Atlantic salmon Salmo salar originally produced in a semi-commercial scale freshwater RAS. Twenty-six fish (5−7 kg each) were stocked into twelve replicate depuration systems operated with system HRTs of 2.4, 4.6, and 11.3-h, respectively (N = 4). Geosmin was assessed at intervals in system water and fish flesh over a 10-day feed withholding period. Waterborne GSM concentration was affected by flushing rate and associated system HRT (P < 0.05). Depuration systems operated with an 11.3-h HRT had greater waterborne GSM levels at 3, 6, and 10 days post-stocking compared to 2.4 and 4.6-h HRT. A similar trend was generally reflected in salmon flesh. Residual GSM levels were successively higher in fillets on Day 6 from depuration systems with increasingly longer HRT. Geosmin levels were greatest in salmon flesh from the 11.3-h HRT treatment on Day 10, but fillet GSM between the 2.4 and 4.6-h HRT was similar. This research indicates that lowest residual GSM is achieved in water and Atlantic salmon flesh in depuration systems with increased flushing and shorter HRT, i.e., 2.4–4.6-h under conditions of this study. Selection of optimal flushing rate to remediate off-flavor from RAS-produced Atlantic salmon may also be dictated by water and energy use metrics and site-specific water availability among other factors.     

Seawater tolerance and morphological assessment of yearling sea trout (Salmo trutta L.)

To study seawater tolerance and make a morphological assessment of yearling sea trout, their maturation and smoltification signs were estimated in two different fish rearing systems in Latvia,—in recirculating and flow-through system. For yearling sea trout (Salmo trutta L.), fish hypo-osmoregulatory ability was evaluated using seawater tolerance test, also fish morphological parameters were analyzed from January to May. April and May are months when smoltification occurs for wild sea trout in nature. Sea trout from recirculating system initially showed better growth, higher survival rate, and hypo-osmoregulatory ability, due to the elevated rearing water temperature. However, the situation completely changed in May when natural smoltification peaked and wild sea trout migration to the sea occurred—survival rate for yearling sea trout reared in recirculating system dropped to zero. Nevertheless, survival of fish from flow-through system increased, reaching 33%. Furthermore, in flow-through systems, sea trout that survived had significantly lower condition factor, also silvering level was higher compared those who did not survive. Weight was not a useful factor for determination of sea trout smoltification. The most part of yearling sea trout did not smoltify at the age of 1 year and should be reared for one more year before release in natural watercourses foreseen for migration to the sea.

     

Micro particles and microbial activity in Danish recirculating rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farms

Increasing intensities of water reuse in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) lead to a build-up of micro particles (< 20 μm) in the water. This build-up may have consequences for other water quality parameters and for the fish. This baseline study was carried out to determine the variation in micro particle levels (numbers, volume and surface area) and accompanying bacterial activity in commercially operated outdoor RAS, as well as the effects of different components in the recirculation loop on micro particle dynamics. Water samples were obtained during spring 2017 from 7 Danish Model Trout Farms (MTFs) producing rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in a total of 20 separate RAS units. Micro particle numbers and size distribution, bacterial activity, and inorganic and organic nutrient concentrations were analysed. Micro particle numbers ranged between 6.0·10⁴ – 7.4·10⁵ ml⁻¹ and large variations were found between seemingly similarly operated RAS units within the same farm. There was a strong, positive correlation (p < 0.001) between micro particle levels and bacterial activity in the systems. Although not significant, biofilters generally seemed to trap particles whereas drum filters seemed to reduce particle volume while increasing particle numbers and surface area. The study sustains that bacterial activity in RAS is strongly associated with fine particle loading, and demonstrates for the first time the overall magnitude and level of variation in particle levels and bacterial activity that exists in commercially operated MTFs.     

An evaluation of solid waste capture from recirculating aquaculture systems using a geotextile bag system with a flocculant-aid

Two separate geotextile bag systems were evaluated as a means for capturing and dewatering bio-solids in the effluent stream from recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Each geotextile bag system used a high molecular weight cationic polyacrylamide (PAM) polymer as a flocculant-aid. The two systems were operated under freshwater and brackish water conditions. A complete analysis including water quality and agronomic sludge analysis was conducted at the North Carolina State University Fish Barn – a large-scale, freshwater RAS demonstration and growout facility. An evaluation of water quality and performance of a similar geotextile bag system was also conducted at the Marine Aquaculture Research Center near Marshallberg, North Carolina, USA, under brackish conditions (15 PPT). Results indicated that performance of each of the systems was similar with TSS, COD, TN, and TP removal greater than 95%, 65%, 50%, and 38%, respectively, for both systems. Analysis of the sludge collected in the freshwater system after 70 days in a dewatering, inactive mode, showed a moisture content (MC) of 86%, or 14% dry matter (DM), indicating the system was effective at passively dewatering the bio-solids. Nutrient removal efficiency may be system specific based on the geotextile bag size and influent flow rate.Geotextile bag systems using flocculant-aids are an efficient means for capturing and dewatering waste solids from RAS effluents. Optimized geotextile bag system designs depend on flow rate, feed rate, and solids dewatering time, and fate of the treated effluent. This evaluation will aid in predicting the expected performance and determining the appropriate size of a geotextile bag system. The type of treatment required downstream from the geotextile bag system used for solids capture in a RAS wastewater treatment system will depend on the intended fate of the treated effluent.     

Options to reuse sludge from striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus,Sauvage, 1878) ponds and recirculating systems

This paper compares the quantity and quality of solid waste obtained from traditional ponds and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) for striped catfish and evaluates methane and compost production from these wastes. Striped catfish sludge was collected from four commercial ponds along the Mekong river and from three indoor RAS. The amount of sludge dry matter produced per kilogram of fish in ponds was 6 times higher than that in RAS. However, the concentration of nutrients in solid waste from RAS was much higher, with better compost quality and higher methane yield than that of sludge from ponds. Out of the collected 381 L biogas, the methane yield of striped catfish’s solid waste in RAS systems was 201 L per kg chemical oxygen demand (COD). In ponds, the collected 267 L biogas yielded 125 L CH₄ per kg COD. The higher methane production from RAS sludge concurred with higher digestibility of COD: 58% for RAS versus 38% for ponds. The quality and quantity of methane from striped catfish sludge were lower than that for other animal manures, and the resulting electricity yield was low. Considering the higher nutrient concentration in RAS-sludge, we recommend the combination RAS and composting in reusing sludge, which is presently the best option for a more sustainable and cleaner striped catfish production system.     

A closed water recirculation system for ecological studies in marine fish larvae: growth and survival of sea bass larvae fed with live prey

This paper describes the suitability of a closed recirculation system to study the development of fish larvae in a strictly controlled environment, where only feeding was varied (fed, starved, delayed and late fast treatments). The system served both as an incubator and hatchery. The time variation of physical and chemical parameters together with survival and growth of reared sea bass larvae (Dicentrarchus labrax) were studied over the first month of life. The recirculation design allowed for the maintenance of levels of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate below those cited as responsible for mortality or decreased feeding ability in other marine fish larvae. Almost no larval mortality occurred in the fed larvae from day 9 after hatching. The starved group of larvae showed a sharp decline in survival after 16 days of food deprivation. Larvae for which feeding was delayed until day 13 ceased dying 4 days after food was supplied. Fast feeding on days 24 and 25 had no effect on larval survival. Growth in length was similar during the first 2 weeks of larval life regardless of feeding treatment. Two days of late fast had no effect on larval growth. Growth patterns of fed larvae in this study were similar to those reported for larvae reared in flow through systems. We believe that survival and growth of the reared larvae was a direct function of diet, and that the type of rearing system did not adversely affect these parameters. The rearing design and the results obtained suggest that future nutritional studies of field-collected larvae will benefit from this kind of rearing experiment.     

The use of high rate algal ponds for the treatment of marine effluent from a recirculating fish rearing system

A high rate algal pond (HRAP) system was used to treat effluent from a recirculating sea water aquaculture system in southern France. Dicentrarchus labrax L. were farmed at a high density, with effluents containing an average of 10 mg L^?1 dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and 1.3 mg L^?1 reactive phosphorus (RP). On a yearly basis, the algal pond removed 59% of the dissolved nitrogen and 56% of the phosphorus input, which was converted into 3.3 kg DW m^?2 algae. Green macroalgae were dominant throughout the year and the algal biomass mirrored the seasonal changes in daily irradiance and temperature. This first year study supports the possibility of treating marine aquaculture wastes using HPAPs, although conditions will have to be found to mitigate the strong influence of climate on the algal community during winter. During the more temperate season, only 150 m² of treatment ponds would be necessary to remove the nutrients produced by 1 ton of fish. Treated water was characterized by a high pH, elevated levels of dissolved oxygen (midday value) and low concentrations of nutrients and suspended solids. The absence of toxic phytoplankton meant that the water could be recycled through the farm tanks.