In a recent exploration of aquaculture efficiency, researchers have turned their attention to a novel approach that could reshape how we manage water quality in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). This study, spearheaded by Jianping Xu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, dives into the intricacies of suspended solid nitrogen (SSN) removal in the cultivation of Litopenaeus vannamei, a species of shrimp that’s become a staple in global aquaculture.
The crux of the research centers on a low-energy technology known as intermittent enhanced backwater (IEB). This innovative method was tested across ten aquaculture tanks, where five were equipped with IEB devices and the others were not. The findings were promising: tanks utilizing the IEB technology saw significant reductions in various nitrogen compounds and Vibrio concentrations, which are critical for maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. In fact, total nitrogen levels dropped by an average of 4.55%, while total ammonia nitrogen decreased by 10.26%.
“The ability to enhance the removal of suspended solid nitrogen is a game changer,” Xu noted, emphasizing the dual benefits of improved water quality and increased shrimp yield—up by 4.48% in the IEB-equipped tanks. This is particularly noteworthy given that energy consumption for the IEB system accounted for a mere 0.74% of the overall operational energy for RAS. It’s a clear win-win scenario for aquaculture producers who are constantly seeking ways to optimize their operations while keeping costs in check.
The study also delves into the intricate relationship between the IEB device’s working time and the backwashing cycle of the Microscreen drum filter. By establishing a model to control the IEB based on real-time feedback from the drum filter, the researchers are paving the way for a more automated and intelligent management system in aquaculture. This could significantly streamline operations, allowing farmers to focus more on production and less on manual monitoring and adjustments.
As the aquaculture industry grapples with environmental concerns and the need for sustainable practices, findings like these are crucial. They not only highlight the potential for enhanced productivity but also underscore the importance of energy efficiency in modern farming techniques. By adopting such technologies, aquaculture operations can reduce their ecological footprint while meeting the increasing global demand for seafood.
This research, published in “Aquaculture Reports,” offers a glimpse into a future where aquaculture operations are smarter, more efficient, and aligned with sustainability goals. As the industry evolves, technologies like IEB could become standard practice, transforming how we think about shrimp farming and water management. For those in the agricultural sector, the implications are clear: advancements in technology will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of food production.