Effects of artificial substrate and night‐time aeration on the water quality in Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller 1862) pond culture

The effects of artificial substrate and night‐time aeration on the culture of Macrobrachium amazonicum were evaluated in 12 ponds stocked with 45 prawns m^?2. A completely randomized design in 2 × 2 factorial scheme with three replicates was used. The combination of factors resulted in four treatments: with substrate and aeration (SA), with substrate and without aeration (SWA), without substrate and with aeration (WSA) and without substrate and aeration (WSWA). The presence of substrate in SA and SWA treatments reduced suspended particles (seston) by ~17.3% and P‐orthophosphate by ~50%. The use of aerator (WSA and SA treatments) significantly (P < 0.05) increased the concentration of dissolved oxygen, suspended particles and nutrients in the pond water. These results indicate that the effect of substrate on turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS) values is opposite to the effect of the aerator. The aerators in semi‐intensive grow‐out M. amazonicum farming lower water quality because they increased the amount of detritus and nutrients in the pond water. On the other hand, the use of artificial substrate reduces turbidity values, chlorophyll a, TSS and P‐orthophosphate concentrations. Therefore, the combination of substrate addition and night‐time aeration is not interesting because they have opposite effects.     

Diversified aeration facilities for effective aquaculture systems—a comprehensive review

The growing intensive aquaculture system around the world maintains a high stocking density, wherein it is essential to increase and sustain the optimum dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) through the provision of artificial aeration systems. The selection of an aerator is a crucial aspect of aquaculture operations. The selected aerator must be economically efficient and should be able to fulfill the requirement of oxygen supply in the pond water. The present study provides an extensive literature review on the importance of artificial aeration in aquaculture, the standard method of test for performance evaluation of an aerator, various aeration systems and their mechanisms, method to determine the numbers of aerator requirement, comparative studies of different type of aerators, and economic consideration in selection of aerators. In addition, a thorough analysis has been done to suggest the type of aerator that is economically viable and efficient for different pond volumes based on the performance data reported in the reviews. Therefore, this study may help the end-users (fish farmers) to select the best aerator based on their requirements.

     

增氧机池塘增氧效果试验的研究

研究不同型式的增氧机性能,可使生产者根据不同养殖对象与模式针对溶氧的需求,选择配置合适的增氧方式。通过对使用最为广泛的叶轮式、水车式、射流式和曝气式增氧机产品性能的池塘实效试验,分析比较各类增氧机性能、工作特性和适用范围。结果表明,养殖水体溶解氧主要来自浮游植物的光合作用;叶轮式、水车式和射流式增氧机应用于服务水域,其增氧能力远远不能满足该水域养殖鱼类的氧需求,但可满足养殖鱼类的应急氧需求;曝气式增氧机因没有应急增氧作用和水体搅拌能力而不适合四大家鱼等常规鱼种的养殖需要。     

微孔曝气式增氧机的性能及应用效果

为研究微孔曝气增氧机的增氧性能和池塘应用效果,按照标准规定的方法进行了增氧性能的试验和不同水深对增氧性能影响的试验,并在池塘中进行应用效果的试验。结果显示:微孔曝气式增氧机具有比叶轮式增氧机等增氧机更强的增氧能力,但不同配置的机型,增氧能力随配套功率和曝气管长度的增加而增强,动力效率则呈明显下降趋势;增加曝气管布置深度可以提高增氧性能,安装深度从2 m增加到4 m,增氧能力增加285%,动力效率增加207%,与其它养殖池塘机械增氧设备相比,池塘水体越深,微孔曝气式增气机的增氧优势越明显。目前,池塘采用微孔曝气式增氧机的配置方式不具优势,需要改进提升。     

Performance evaluation of venturi aeration system

The venturi aeration is an effective practice to increase the dissolved oxygen accessibility in the water bodies. This study aims to optimize the various geometrical parameters of the venturi aeration system. A non-dimensional technique was applied to find the optimum performance of various geometric parameters i.e. throat lengths (t_l), number of air holes (N), and converging and diverging angles (α and β). These experiments have been carried out using 1124 L capacity of tank having dimensions of 105 cm long, 105 cm wide and 102 cm deep. The experiments were conducted at a constant flow velocity of water (1.096 m/s) with varying throat length (t_l = 20–100 mm keeping 20 mm as interval between two consecutive length), number of air holes (N = 1–17 at an equal hole to hole distance of 5 mm between them), and converging and diverging angles (α and β = 10°, 15°, 20° and 25°). Multiple non-linear regression equations were also developed from the linear relation with the dependent variable (Non-dimensional form of standard aeration efficiency, NDSAE) and independent variables (t_l and N). With the geometrically optimized venturi aerator the optimum performance was found for t_l =100 mm, N = 17, and α and β = 15°. The maximum value of standard oxygen transfer rate (SOTR) and standard aeration efficiency (SAE) obtained was 0.0216 kgO₂/h and 0.611 kgO₂/kWh respectively. From the non-dimensional study, it was found that the NDSAE is the function Reynolds number (Re) and Froude number (Fr). The simulation equations were developed on the basis of Re and Fr for NDSAE, and subjected to 7.378 × 10⁻⁶ < Re < 3.689 × 10^-5 and 0.163 < Fr < 0.817, respectively.     

Water circulation induced by mechanical aerators in a rectangular vessel for shrimp aquaculture

A water streamer was designed for the purpose of enhancing cost-efficient circulation between the water surface and bottom of shrimp aquaculture ponds. We took direct measurements of the water current field induced by the designed aerator in a large rectangular reservoir of dimensions (L)50 × (W)19 × (D)1.3 m³ and compared the results with those of a standard Taiwanese paddle-wheel aerator. Vertical circulation between the surface and the bottom induced by the paddle wheel aerator was less than that by the designed aerator. Furthermore, the paddle-wheel aerator consumed more electric power than the designed aerator. The structures of water current induced by the two aerators are elucidated, and the advantages and disadvantages of the aerators are discussed.Auxiliary employment of the designed aerators may contribute to delivery of high DO water throughout the pond, which is more efficient than a paddle wheel aerator.     

Performance evaluation of four different methods for circulating water in commercial-scale,split-pond aquaculture systems

Split-pond aquaculture systems are being implemented by United States (US) catfish farmers as a way to improve production performance. The split-pond consists of a fish-culture basin that is connected to a waste-treatment lagoon by two water conveyance structures. Water is circulated between the two basins with high-volume pumps (water circulators) and many different units are being used on commercial farms. In this study circulator performance was evaluated with four different circulating systems. Rotational speeds ranged from 0.5 to 3.5 rpm for a twin, slow rotating paddlewheel; 12.5 to 56.5 rpm for a paddlewheel aerator; 60 to 240 rpm for a high-speed screw pump; and 150 to 600 rpm for an axial-flow pump. Water flow rates ranged from 8.6 to 77.6 m³/min and increased with increasing rotational speed. Power input varied directly with flow rate and ranged from 0.24 to 13.43 kW for all four circulators. Water discharge per unit power input (i.e., efficiency) ranged from 3.5 to 70.9 m³ min⁻¹ kW⁻¹ for the circulators tested. In general, efficiency decreased as water flow rate increased. Initial investment cost for each circulator and complete circulating system ranged from US $5850 to $22,900, and $15,335 to $78,660, respectively. The least expensive circulator to operate was the twin, slow-rotating paddlewheel, followed by the paddlewheel aerator, high-speed screw pump, and axial-flow pump. Our results show that four different circulating systems can be effectively installed and used to circulate water in split-ponds. However, water flow rate, rotational speed, required power input, efficiency, initial investment cost, and operational expense varied greatly among the systems tested. Long term studies are underway to better define the relationship between water flow rate and fish production in split-ponds. That information will help identify the water circulating system most appropriate for split-pond aquaculture.     

养殖池塘增氧机制与装备性能比较研究

水产养殖过程中,池塘生态系统可分为自成熟期和人工维持期。在养殖容量提高的情况下,养殖生物呼吸需氧量在不断增加,缺氧条件下有机物分解成有害物质,影响养殖生产。维持池塘生态系统稳定的主要工程机制为:通过上下水层交换、平衡营养元素等方法,强化光合作用,提高营养物质转化规模,提升初级生产力;形成生态增氧为主、机械增氧为辅的高效增氧机制。以中国养殖池塘生态系统为研究对象,分析探讨养殖池塘生态机制、水体溶氧理论、增氧机作用机理、不同类型增氧机的机械性能等,提出了大宗淡水鱼混养池塘及几种典型单养池塘增氧机配置方式,从而为池塘养殖系统增氧机的配置提供技术参考。     

Author index

Oxygen-transfer rates (tap water, 0 mg/l dissolved oxygen, 20°C) for four tractorpowered emergency aerators tested in a 820-m³ pond were: blower-fan aerator, 12.2 kg O₂/h; Crisafulli^® pump and sprayer, 12.3 kg O₂/h; Airmaster^® aerator (centrifugal pump and sprayer), 21.3 kg O₂/h; paddlewheel aerator, 26.3 kg O₂/h. Times required for aerators to homogeneously mix salt in a 6000-m³ pond were: blower-fan aerator, 96 min; Crisafulli pump and sprayer, 94 min; paddlewheel aerator, 53 min; and Airmaster aerator, 38 min. The Airmaster aerator and the paddlewheel aerator did not differ in their abilities to transfer oxygen and circulate pond water (P > 0.05); they were both superior to the blower-fan aerator and the Crisafulli pump and sprayer (P < 0.01).     

Selection of aerators for intensive aquacultural pond

Aeration cost is the third largest cost in intensive aquaculture system after post larvae and feed cost representing about 15% of total production cost. Therefore, selection of aerators plays a major role in maximizing the profit in such system. Over the years, various types of aerators have been developed specifically to enhance the production of aquatic species. The performances of these aerators are generally compared in terms of standard aeration efficiency. However, suitability of a particular aerator at different pond sizes and water quality conditions can best be determined in terms of aeration cost per unit time of operation. In the present study, economic performance of five different aeration systems – circular stepped cascade (CSC), pooled circular stepped cascade (PCSC), 1-hp paddle wheel, 2-hp paddle wheel and propeller aspirator pump were evaluated and compared at different pond sizes, initial DO concentrations of pond and operating hours of aerators; assuming a typical Indian major carp (IMC) culture with commonly practiced stocking density and feeding. Both CSC and PCSC aerators were found to be suitable for pond size less than 1000 m³. However, for pond sizes more than 5000 m³, 1-hp paddle wheel and 2-hp paddle wheel aerators were found to be efficient.     

Aquaculture economics research in Asia: Proceedings of a workshop held in Singapore, 2–5 June 1981: IDRC,Ottawa, Canada, 1982. 128 pp., ISBN 639-3-003-(5). Available in the U.S.A. from Unipub,New York,NY, $15.00; in other countries from IDRC,Ottawa, Canada, $12.00

Propeller-aspirator-pump aerators of 0.38, 1.5, and 2.24 kW transferred averages of 1.73 to 1.91 kg oxygen/kW · h in standardized oxygen transfer tests (tap water; 20°C; 0 mg/l dissolved oxygen) conducted in a shallow basin (1.04 m of water depth). In comparison tests, spray-type surface aerators transferred 1.34 to 1.41 kg oxygen/kW · h and a diffused-air system transferred 1.08 kW · h. The water-mixing capabilities of aerators were estimated from the time to completely mix salt (NaCl) throughout the volumes of ponds, and from the time required to spread a dye over surfaces of ponds. The propeller-aspirator-pump was effective in mixing pond water. A 1.5-kW propeller-aspirator-pump spread dye over a 0.4-ha pond in 32 min and mixed salt throughout 3000 m³ of water in 90 min. A larger spray-type surface aerator (2.24 kW) required 1.5 h to spread dye and 1.75 h to mix salt in the same pond.     

An evaluation of three paddlewheel aerators used for emergency aeration of channel catfish ponds

Oxygen transfer rate, power requirement and fuel consumption were determined for three paddlewheel aerators used for emergency aeration of channel catfish ponds. The power requirement of the tractor-powered units was directly related to the diameter of the paddlewheel drum and the paddle immersion depth. Oxygen transfer rates ranged from 6·9 to 41 kg h^?1 and increased linearly with the power requirement. The largest paddlewheel aerator, operated at the maximum paddle depth, produced the highest oxygen transfer rate (41 kg h^?1). Oxygen transfer efficiencies ranged from 1·29 to 1·97 kg kWh^?1.     

一种大水体太阳能自动增氧装置的研发与试验

研发一种大水体太阳能自动增氧装置,为大水体的缺氧、水体污染提供一种解决方法。太阳能自动增氧装置由太阳能光伏发电系统、检测与智能增氧系统、自动化驱动系统组成。光伏发电系统充分利用太阳能资源,解决了电能消耗问题;检测与智能增氧系统实现了增氧过程中氧溶解浓度检测和智能感应运行;自动化驱动系统通过智能感应信号和电子差速控制系统实现增氧机原地转向、转弯和直行3种运动模式的移动,增加了增氧面积。使用太阳能自动增氧装置增氧试验表明,80 min内1 m水深处溶氧量增加0.79 mg/L,2 m水深处溶氧量增加0.78 mg/L,3m水深处溶氧量增加0.77 mg/L,4 m水深处溶氧量增加0.78 mg/L;改善水质试验表明能有有效提高水体溶氧,降低氮磷含量;养殖试验表明,增加鲤产量35.3%、鲢鳙产量31.2%。     

Design characteristics of pooled circular stepped cascade aeration system

Aeration experiments were conducted in a brick masonry tank of dimension 4 m × 4 m × 1.5 m to study the design characteristics of pooled circular stepped cascade (PCSC) aeration system. Based on dimensional analysis, non-dimensional numbers related to geometric, dynamic and process parameters were proposed. The non-dimensional geometric parameters – number of steps (N), ratio of total height of cascade (H) to the bottom radius of cascade (R_b), % coverage of circumference of each step by enclosure (P_e) and number of enclosures in each step (N_e) were optimized. Maintaining the optimized geometric parameters (N = 6, H/R_b = 0.25, P_e = 20% and N_e = 9), aeration experiments were further conducted at different discharges (Q) to develop simulation equations for prediction of aeration characteristics of PCSC aeration system at different dynamic conditions. Simulation equations for oxygen transfer and power consumption based on Froude (Fr) criterion were developed subject to 0.0014 ≤ Fr ≤ 0.0144. SAE of the developed prototype PCSC aerators based on estimated brake power ranged between 2.43 and 3.23 kg O₂/kWh.     

Estimation of Oxygen Transfer Rates for Mechanical Aerators in Brackishwater Aquaculture Ponds

Oxygen transfer rates for mechanical aerators are usually determined by standard aeration tests conducted in concrete tanks. Results from standard tests are then extrapolated to field application of the aerators in aquaculture ponds, but these extrapolations have not been verified. In this study, oxygen transfer rates were estimated for propeller-aspirator-pump aerators deployed in brackish water aquaculture ponds under normal pond conditions. Estimation was accomplished by fitting the Whole Pond Respiration Diffusion (WPRD) model to nighttime observations of dissolved oxygen concentration for ponds in which artificial aeration had been initiated during the night. Application of this new technique revealed that oxygen transfer rate determined from a standard aeration test was similar to that estimated from trials in aquaculture ponds. Preliminary results suggest that oxygen transfer rates were higher when the aerator was placed in the deep end of the ponds than when the aerator was situated in the shallow end. Aeration efficiencies ranged from 1.45 to 1.8 kg O ₂ per kW-hour.     

Production of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus grown in BFT using two aeration systems

Aeration systems used in BFT farming need to meet the dissolved oxygen demand from the biota present in the tank, as well as to keep the particulate matter in suspension. In BFT systems, it is common to use blowers, but the choice of an aerator with better efficiency in oxygen transfer and in electric energy consumption is indispensable. The vertical pump model (VPM) aerator is the most used in intensive tilapia production systems in southern Brazil. The objective of this research was to verify if this aerator model can support Nile tilapia farming under BFT system without producing negative impacts on the functionality neither of the biofloc nor in the production indexes. Simultaneous farming on BFT using blowers served as control. Oreochromis niloticus juveniles with an initial density of 7 kg/m³ were used. After 56 days of farming, the VPM aerator obtained significantly better results, both in water quality parameters and in production indexes, when compared to those obtained in the control treatment. The temperature was higher in the treatment of the blowers due to the lower thermal exchange between the atmospheric air and the tank water. Although the VPM caused lower temperatures, it obtained a productivity of 21.2 kg/m³, compared to 20.2 kg/m³ of the blowers. It was concluded that the use of the VPM aerator had no negative influence on both the formation and functionality of the biofloc, obtaining even higher production rates.     

Assessment of the new generation aeration systems efficiency and water current flow rate,its relation to the cost economics at varying salinities for Penaeus vannamei culture

The selection of aerators and correct numbers can play an essential role in reducing the cost of production in aquaculture. The new generation aerators, namely spiral leaf, air‐jet, submersible and impeller, used in aquaculture, were assessed for its aeration efficiency and energy cost compared with the commonly used paddle wheel aerator. Of the aerators tested, the impeller had the highest aeration efficiency of 2.098 kg O₂/kW hr, followed by paddle wheel with 1.436 kg O₂/kW hr at 20‰ salinity. The spiral and air‐jet aerators had maximum aeration efficiency of 1.326 and 1.419 kg O₂/kW hr, respectively, at 35‰ salinity. The submersible aerator was not efficient as its maximum efficiency was 0.380 kg O₂/kW hr. The water flow by paddle wheel was 3 ft/sec and also provides better coverage than other types of aerators. The efficiency of aerators was high in optimum salinities (20‰ and 35‰) than the low or high saline condition. The average energy cost of shrimp pond aeration per hectare was lowest for impeller, followed by paddle wheel aerator. The study provided economic comparisons of vannamei culture using different aeration systems by keeping a uniform set of economic assumptions. Shrimp farms with impellors can give 14%–25% high returns across salinities, whereas spiral leaf can provide 5% high returns at 35‰ salinity. The combination of the type of aerators and the calculated use based on the salinity of the culture systems can result in energy‐saving and also a reduction in the production cost.     

Impact of Aeration on the Growth Performance of Silver Barb,Puntius gonionotus,during Fingerling Rearing

Impact of aeration on growth of silver barb, Puntius gonionotus during fingerling rearing was studied through a 100‐d rearing experiment conducted in 18 concrete tanks of 50 m² (10 × 5 × 1.2 m) size. Fry (0.74 ± 0.27 g, 35 ± 6 mm) were stocked in the experimental tanks at three stocking densities (25, 50, and 75 fry/m²) and were evaluated with and without provision of 6 h (2400–0600 h) of night time aeration. Aeration resulted in higher pH and dissolved oxygen regime and increased fingerling length and weight. The results suggest a rearing density of 75/m² to be ideal for rearing fry to fingerling of this species when aeration is provided, whereas, under non‐aerated condition, rearing the fry to fingerling stage at 50/m² was found advantageous over those at 25 and 75/m².     

Engineering considerations for water circulation in crawfish ponds with paddlewheel aerators

Engineering considerations for paddlewheel aeration in vegetated shallow water ponds for the production of procambarid crawfish is necessary to ensure cost-effective application. Three experimental ponds (approximately 2 ha each) were planted with rice in August as forage for the resident pond population of red swamp crawfish, Procambarus clarkii, and flooded in October. Two 2.2 kW (3 hp), single-phase electric motor (110 V_ac) paddlewheel aerators were placed in each pond. The aerator rotors were 160-cm long and 95-cm in diameter. The aerator rotor had 36 paddles with half the paddles 27.3-cm long and half 34.9-cm long. Rotor speed was set at 83 rpm and operated at three paddle submergence settings: 7.6, 12.7, and 17.8 cm below the water surface. Over a 20-week period between November and April, channel velocity, head difference, and aerator amperage was measured for both one and two aerators in operation in each pond. Results indicated that circulation of oxygenated water from the aerators can be accomplished as efficiently with a single aerator set at a lower paddle depth (7.6-cm) compared to operating two aerators set at a greater paddle depth (12.7 or 17.8-cm). However, based on the apparent efficiency of the aerators and the calculated channel roughness coefficients values obtained from the channel velocities, paddlewheel aerators are an inefficient option for circulating the pond water especially when rice foliage dominants the total vegetative biomass of the pond.     

Vertical Water Circulation Capabilities of an Electric Paddle Wheel Aerator and Dissolved Oxygen Loss Due to Daytime Aeration

ABSTRACT

Vertical water circulation by the paddle wheel aerator was determined by measuring dissolved oxygen profiles in a 3.6-m deep watershed pond during daylight hours, using aerated and non-aerated treatments. The paddle wheel aerator circulated the well-oxygenated surface water to the pond bottom, producing a uniform dissolved oxygen profile in the aerated treatment, while the non-aerated treatment maintained high dissolved oxygen concentrations near the surface with low dissolved oxygen concentrations near the pond bottom. The aerated treatment contained 35.6% less dissolved oxygen than the non-aerated treatment after four hours as a result of operating the aerator during the daytime. The paddle wheel aerator, with a shallow (10 cm) paddle immersion, is effective in vertically circulating water in deeper ponds. However, substantial loss of dissolved oxygen may result from operating the aerator on days with high rates of photosynthesis.