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Denitrification with polycaprolactone as solid substrate in a laboratory-scale recirculated aquaculture system
1University of Stuttgart, Institute for Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality and Solid Waste Management, Taskgroup Biology, Bandtäle 2, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany. angela.boley@iswa.uni-stuttgart.de
Summary
A novel denitrification system using Poly-epsilon-Caprolactone (PCL) effectively reduced nitrate levels and stabilized pH in recirculated aquaculture systems. Fish growth remained comparable between systems, indicating the process
Area of Science:
- Aquaculture
- Environmental Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Recirculated aquaculture systems (RAS) require efficient nitrogen management.
- Nitrification in RAS can lead to detrimental nitrate accumulation and pH decrease.
- Biodegradable polymers offer potential for novel biological treatment solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and performance of a Poly-epsilon-Caprolactone (PCL)-based denitrification system in a laboratory-scale RAS for eels.
- To compare the water quality parameters and fish health in a system with denitrification versus a reference system.
- To assess the impact of denitrification on nitrate levels, pH stability, and eel weight gain.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory-scale recirculated aquaculture systems were established in parallel.
- One system incorporated a fluidized bed reactor with PCL for denitrification.
- Water quality parameters and eel weight gain were monitored throughout the experimental period.
Main Results:
- The PCL-based denitrification system significantly reduced nitrate concentrations compared to the reference system.
- Stable pH levels were maintained in the denitrification system, unlike the decreasing pH in the reference system due to nitrification.
- Eels exhibited similar weight gain in both the denitrification and reference systems.
Conclusions:
- Poly-epsilon-Caprolactone (PCL) is a viable material for establishing effective denitrification in recirculated aquaculture systems.
- The PCL-based system enhances water quality by controlling nitrate and stabilizing pH.
- This technology shows promise for improving RAS sustainability without negatively impacting fish growth.