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.     

Use of planted biofilters in integrated recirculating aquaculture‐hydroponics systems in the Mekong Delta,Vietnam

The feasibility of using planted biofilters for purification of recirculated aquaculture water in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam was assessed. The plant trenches were able to clean tilapia aquaculture water and to maintain good water quality in the fish tanks without renewal of the water. NH₄‐N was removed efficiently in the plant trenches, particularly in the trenches with Canna glauca L., probably because of plant uptake and nitrification–denitrification. Plant uptake constituted 6% of N and 7% of P in the input feed. Approximately 1.0 m³ of water was needed per kg of fish produced, and 370, 97 and 2842 g fresh aboveground biomass of Ipomoea aquatica Forssk., Lactuca sativa L. and C. glauca, respectively, were produced. The leafy vegetables provide some extra income besides fish products, whereas C. glauca provides nice flowers and contributes to a significant nutrient removal with annual uptake rates of 725 kg N and 234 kg P ha^?1 year^?1. This research demonstrates that integrated recirculating aquaculture‐hydroponics (aquaponics) systems provide significant water savings and nutrient recycling as compared with traditional fish ponds.     

Biological filtration properties of selected herbs in an aquaponic system

This study was conducted to determine the biological filtration capabilities of some culinary herbs co‐cultured with lemon fin barb hybrid in a nutrient film technique (NFT) recirculating aquaponic system. Lemon fin barb hybrid (Hypsibarbus wetmorei ♂ × Barbonymus gonionotus ♀) fingerlings were stocked in twelve 2‐tonne fibreglass tanks at 25 fish per tank and co‐cultured with Chinese celery (Apium graveolens var. secalinum Alef.), coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and peppermint (Mentha × piperita) for seven weeks. The impacts of the waste generated by the fish on the water quality, the filtration capability of the herbs and the ability of fish and herbs to retain nutrients (NPK) were also estimated. All the herbs showed water purifying potentials to varying degrees as significantly lower levels of nitrogenous compounds (NH₃‐N, NO₃‐N, NO₂‐N) were observed after the herbal filtration. The plant growth seemed to be affected by their ability to absorb nutrients and consequently purify the culture medium. Interestingly, the lemon fin barb hybrid also showed significant differences in terms of weight gain, but the nutrient retention among fish treatments was not statistically different. The plants absorbed less phosphorus and potassium than the fish. After computing for the total system percentage of NPK recovered, nitrogen was the most retained nutrient. The peppermint showed superiority in terms of gross biomass and water purifying potential compared to the Chinese celery and coriander.     

Denitrification in recirculating systems: Theory and applications

Profitability of recirculating systems depends in part on the ability to manage nutrient wastes. Nitrogenous wastes in these systems can be eliminated through nitrifying and denitrifying biofilters. While nitrifying filters are incorporated in most recirculating systems according to well-established protocols, denitrifying filters are still under development. By means of denitrification, oxidized inorganic nitrogen compounds, such as nitrite and nitrate are reduced to elemental nitrogen (N₂). The process is conducted by facultative anaerobic microorganisms with electron donors derived from either organic (heterotrophic denitrification) or inorganic sources (autotrophic denitrification). In recirculating systems and traditional wastewater treatment plants, heterotrophic denitrification often is applied using external electron and carbon donors (e.g. carbohydrates, organic alcohols) or endogenous organic donors originating from the waste. In addition to nitrate removal, denitrifying organisms are associated with other processes relevant to water quality control in aquaculture systems. Denitrification raises the alkalinity and, hence, replenishes some of the inorganic carbon lost through nitrification. Organic carbon discharge from recirculating systems is reduced when endogenous carbon sources originating from the fish waste are used to fuel denitrification. In addition to the carbon cycle, denitrifiers also are associated with sulfur and phosphorus cycles in recirculating systems. Orthophosphate uptake by some denitrifiers takes place in excess of their metabolic requirements and may result in a considerable reduction of orthophosphate from the culture water. Finally, autotrophic denitrifiers may prevent the accumulation of toxic sulfide resulting from sulfate reduction in marine recirculating systems. Information on nitrate removal in recirculating systems is limited to studies with small-scale experimental systems. Packed bed reactors supplemented with external carbon sources are used most widely for nitrate removal in these systems. Although studies on the application of denitrification in freshwater and marine recirculating systems were initiated some thirty years ago, a unifying concept for the design and operation of denitrifying biofilters in recirculating systems is lacking.     

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.     

鱼菜共生管式结构试验及应用模式研究

本文讨论一种以气力提水循环、生物膜降解和立体管式植物栽培为特征的鱼菜共生系统，在养鱼密度31．5kg/m³的条件下，芹菜 75天的试验产量为23．69kg/m² 。试验表明，用生物膜结合栽培植物的处理方法对养鱼污水有不同程度的净化效果，光照对植物的生物量也有影响，得出每立方米养鱼水体配置 2 ~4m²栽菜面积和管式栽槽直径以 10~20cm为宜的设计参数。此外，论及该形式的咸水鱼菜共生和磁场增效(8% ~10%)试验，并提出工厂化养鱼中生物膜、藻类、植物等多样生物综合净水的生态养鱼应用模式。     

Food Production and Water Conservation in a Recirculating Aquaponic System in Saudi Arabia at Different Ratios of Fish Feed to Plants

An indoor aquaponic system (i.e., the integration of fish culture with hydroponic plant production in a recirculating setup) was operated for maximizing water reuse and year-round intensive food production (Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus , and leaf lettuce) at different fish feed to plants ratios. The system consisted of a fish culture component, solid removal component, and hydroponic component comprising six long channels with floating styrofoam rafts for holding plants. Fish culture effluents flowed by gravity from the fish culture component to the solid removal component and then to the hydroponic component. Effluents were collected in a sump from which a 1-horsepower in-line pump recirculated the water back to the fish culture tanks at a rate of about 250 L/min. The hydroponic component performed as biofilter and effectively managed the water quality. Fish production was staggered to harvest one of the four fish tanks at regular intervals when fish attained a minimum weight of 250 g. Out of the total eight harvests in 13 mo, net fish production per harvest averaged 33.5 kg/m³ of water with an overall water consumption of 320 L/kg of fish produced along with the production of leaf lettuce at 42 heads/m² of hydroponic surface area. Only 1.4% of the total system water was added daily to compensate the evaporation and transpiration losses. A ratio of 56 g fish feed/m² of hydroponic surface effectively controlled nutrient buildup in the effluents. However, plant density could be decreased from 42 to 25–30 plants/m² to produce a better quality lettuce.     

陆基水产养殖技术的研究

一种由小系统大组合方式集成的新型陆基水产养殖设施 ,小系统由养殖池、水处理池等组成 ,形成各池独立的水体环流运转系统。合理的池体结构和水流工艺设计 ,以及有效的物理和生物净化方式 ,使再循环水量达到 99% ,每立方米水体的载鱼量达到 5 0kg以上 ,具有节电、节水、环保、高效等特点 ,该技术属国内领先水平。     

Experiments on the operation of a combined aquaculture-algae system

A combined aquaculture-algae system was developed for the purification and reuse of effluent water from intensive fish production in a combination of a high-rate algal pond and extensive fishpond. The integrated system was operated as a closed system, thus the water demand was reduced through the recirculation of the treated water. The pilot-scale experimental system consisted of three different compartments: tanks for intensive fish production, an algal pond where the excess nutrients are removed by algae uptake and a fishpond where the produced algae biomass was consumed by fish. The objective of this study was to describe and evaluate the nutrient transformation efficiency of the combined system through the analysis of the organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus budgets.     

Culture feasibility of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) in zero-water exchange recirculating aquaculture systems using synthetically derived seawater and live feeds

The overall objective of this research project was to determine if land-based culture of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) is a feasible option using recirculating aquaculture systems with synthetically derived seawater. A twelve week growout study was conducted in a closed-loop recirculating system with zero discharge using synthetically derived seawater. Two species of marine microalgae (Chaetoceros spp. and Isochrysis spp.) were cultured as oyster feed. Oysters were batch fed daily and amounts of algae cells offered to oysters were monitored. Overall, oyster survival remained greater than 99% and growth was steady and averaged 1.3, 1.1, and 0.33 mm per week for length, width, and thickness, respectively. Mean weight increased an average of 0.39 g per week. The means to maintaining suitable water quality was nitrification and supplementation of calcium to maintain ambient levels representative of their natural environments. Data collected is also useful for those who wish to study oysters in controlled environments or for genetic and/or breeding programs.     

3种滤料生物滤器的挂膜与黑鲷幼鱼循环水养殖效果

采用微生态净水剂作为菌种,对3种生物滤料(陶环、弹性毛刷和爆炸棉)构建的生物滤器进行生物膜培养,并以3种生物滤器为基础构建简易循环水养殖系统,进行黑鲷(Sparus macrocephalus)幼鱼养殖实验。结果表明,陶环生物滤器、弹性毛刷生物滤器和爆炸棉生物滤器的生物膜成熟时间分别为25 d、32 d和28 d。黑鲷幼鱼经过40d的饲喂,3个实验组鱼的体质量与对照组相比,均差异显著(P<0.05),成活率均达到95%以上;实验组鱼血清溶菌酶(LSZ)活性和肝组织总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)活性均显著高于对照组(P<0.05);实验组鱼体消化道内菌群数量及其多样性要明显高于对照组。结果表明,不同滤料在相同工况条件下挂膜成熟时间不同;微生态净水剂作为挂膜菌种效果良好;循环水系统养殖模式不仅可以提高鱼体的生长速度,还能增强鱼体免疫性能。     

Root nitrification capacity of lettuce plants with application to aquaponics

Aquaculture and hydroponics have experienced significant growth and market presence in recent years. While aquaponics, the combination of fish and plant culture systems, is beginning to experience the same exponential growth and interest that hydroponics did many years ago, very little information is available on sizing and design of these systems. Incorporation of hydroponic plants with recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) aids in removal of ammonia/ammonium based wastes, thus reducing the need for water discharge to control water quality. Surface only nitrification rates were quantified to be 0.83g/m²/day for inert surfaces and 0.20/m²/day for root surfaces. Direct assimilation of ammonia by the lettuce plants was less than 2% of the total ammonia and ammonium nitrogen (TAN) removed from the culture water, with the remainder being removal by oxidation of TAN into nitrate.     

Waste excretion of marble goby (Oxyeleotris marmorata Bleeker) fed with different diets

Marble goby (Oxyeleotris marmorata Bleeker), with its high demand and price, has a great potential as a profitable commercial aquaculture candidate in Malaysia and Southeast Asia region. Efforts are being made to produce this species in a better controlled culture environment like recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) due to poor growth performance and disease problems shown by conventional cage and outdoor pond culture systems. Quantification of waste excreted by fish is critical to RAS design. This study was conducted to characterize the waste excretion rates of marble goby fed with different diets (live food and minced fish). Ammonia-N (TAN), urea-N, nitrite-N (NO₂-N), nitrate-N (NO₃-N), total-N (TN), organic-N (ON), feces-N, 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅) and total suspended solid (TSS) produced from marble goby were determined over a 72-h excretion period. Under given experimental conditions, the results showed that feed type had significant influence on the waste excretion rates, with marble goby fed live tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exhibiting significantly (P < 0.05) the lowest amount of waste excretion comparable to that of fish fed live common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and minced scads (Decapterus russellii). This indicates that feeding marble goby with tilapia poses less adverse effects on water quality and is thus a suitable diet for this species. The waste excreted by the fish is composed of nitrogenous excretion (TAN, Urea-N, ON, Feces-N), and productions of dissolved biodegradable organic substances (BOD₅) and TSS (TSS_feces + TSS_water). About 58-71% of the nitrogen consumed in food was excreted and its rate depended mainly on the feed type. TAN was the chief end-product of protein metabolism; about 74-84% of the daily total nitrogenous excretion was TAN. Urea-N accounted for 13-21% of the daily total nitrogenous excretion indicating that urea-N is an important nitrogenous excretory end-product in marble goby. The waste excretion data presented in this study can be served as a pre-requisite for designing a RAS for this species. The overall BOD₅ and TSS production found in this study also point to the need for including bio-filtration unit and suspended solids removal mechanism in the RAS design.     

Construction and use of free-standing solar silos as combined mass algal/fish culture units

Construction of solar silos for combined mass algal/fish culture is detailed and their speciality use outlined for mixed culture of unicellular green algae and blue tilapia (Sarotherodon aureus).     

Comparison of bacterial communities in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus culture ponds of an industrial ecological purification recirculating aquaculture system

The industrial aquaculture pond system has gradually replaced the use of traditional earthen pond, as it causes less pollution and is more economical. In this study, an industrial ecological purification recirculating aquaculture system consisting of the water source pond, high‐density culture ponds, a deposit pond, and ecological purification ponds for channel catfish cultivation was established. Twelve water samples from different ponds were sequenced, and the bacterial communities were analysed. The abundances of Cyanobacteria and Merismopedia varied in different functional ponds of the system. The water quality was stable after two months of cultivation at 1.89 ± 0.22 mg/L total nitrogen, 1.1 ± 0.08 mg/L NH₄‐N and 0.43 ± 0.1 mg/L total phosphorus. The fish weight increased in a nearly linear manner, reaching 237.63 ± 23.8 per fish at day 120. An analysis of the environmental parameters, water quality and fish weight suggested that the system had an effective water purification process. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that the community was affected at the genus and phylum levels by different environmental parameters. We identified several dominant beneficial bacteria with nutrient removal abilities. Overall, our results demonstrated that the ecological purification recirculating aquaculture system had notable effects on water quality improvement and promoted changes in bacterial populations. These results provide important information on the microbial ecology of pond industrial eco‐aquaculture systems.     

小丑鱼室内循环水养殖设施与技术

为了实现规模化人工养殖小丑鱼(Amphiprioninae),研发了小丑鱼室内循环水养殖设施和技术。1组循环水养殖系统由10个玻璃钢养殖桶和1个水处理玻璃缸及管道系统组成,采用物理过滤、生化过滤、藻板过滤进行循环水处理。1组循环水养殖系统每3个月可养殖产出全长约3.5 cm的商品小丑鱼5 000尾,养殖存活率达80%以上。从2014年至2015年,利用该设施养殖生产出商品小丑鱼10余万尾。和常规的食用海水鱼循环水养殖设施相比,小丑鱼室内循环水养殖系统主要减少了蛋白分离器、气浮机、微滤机等设备,增加了藻板过滤设施。研究表明,小丑鱼室内循环水养殖系统建造成本低、运行能耗低、管理维护简单、水质稳定,可基本实现全封闭循环水养殖,适合进行小丑鱼等海水珊瑚礁观赏鱼类的规模化养殖生产。     

水生动植物生态循环系统及试验

根据水生动植物生态学原理而设计一种闭式循环水养鱼系统。系统涉及植物、微生物组合净水技术和纳米功能材料调质、催化技术,创建动植物共生的水体自净环境,实现水产养殖代谢污染物的资源化处理。系统试养鲟鱼400尾(鱼池8 m3),成活率98.25%,1个月生物增量122%,配套生态蔬菜产量43 kg。文中就相关技术设计和试验研究作了分析讨论。     

A Comparison of Three Different Hydroponic Sub-systems (gravel bed, floating and nutrient film technique) in an Aquaponic Test System

Murray Cod, Maccullochella peelii peelii (Mitchell), and Green Oak lettuce, Lactuca sativa, were used to test for differences between three hydroponic subsystems, Gravel Bed, Floating Raft and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), in a freshwater Aquaponic test system, where plant nutrients were supplied from fish wastes while plants stripped nutrients from the waste water before it was returned to the fish. The Murray Cod had FCR's and biomass gains that were statistically identical in all systems. Lettuce yields were good, and in terms of biomass gain and yield, followed the relationship Gravel bed > Floating > NFT, with significant differences seen between all treatments. The NFT treatment was significantly less efficient than the other two treatments in terms of nitrate removal (20% less efficient), whilst no significant difference was seen between any test treatments in terms of phosphate removal. In terms of dissolved oxygen, water replacement and conductivity, no significant differences were observed between any test treatments. Overall, results suggest that NFT hydroponic sub-systems are less efficient at both removing nutrients from fish culture water and producing plant biomass or yield than Gravel bed or Floating hydroponic sub-systems in an Aquaponic context. Aquaponic system designers need to take these differences into account when designing hydroponic components within aquaponic systems.     

海水循环养殖系统冬季运行水温和水质控制

为探讨江苏沿海地区海水鱼类养殖过程中的越冬问题,构建了基于温室保温与微藻净水的封闭式循环水养殖系统,用于开展黑鲷越冬试验。通过在线监测系统记录冬季运行期间系统内外水温与气温,研究太阳能温室的保温性能;通过定期采样检测养殖系统水质,比较投加微藻前后养殖池水质的差异,研究微藻净水的可行性。结果显示:冬季温室内海水循环养殖系统的平均水温显著高于温室外水温,有利于黑鲷顺利越冬并延长生长期;在养殖系统内接种微藻可有效降低水体氨氮(NH+4-N)浓度,并将亚硝酸盐氮(NH-2-N)浓度维持在较低水平,有利于维护养殖系统水质稳定。研究表明:集成温室保温与微藻净水的海水循环养殖系统可实现黑鲷越冬养殖。本研究可为存在积温不足和越冬问题的区域发展海水鱼类养殖提供参考。