Biochar-Based Biofilter Media Improves Water Quality in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
Main Article Content
Keywords
Biological filtration, cost-effective, efficiency, Nile tilapia, nutrient removal
Abstract
Maintaining water quality in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) for optimal fish production necessitates the use of expensive biofilters. Exploring the potential of locally available biofilter media, on the other hand, provides possibility of improving water quality and reducing operational costs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of biochar-based biofilters in RAS. A completely randomized design with three replicates was used to represent three distinct biofilter treatments: Treatment 1 (S. oleracea-only biofilter), Treatment 2 (biochar-only biofilter), and Treatment 3 (biochar with S. oleracea biofilter). Water quality parameters were monitored within fish tanks as well as at the inlet and outlet of each biofilter treatment. A two-way ANOVA was used to assess differences in water quality parameters and biofilter efficiency. Water temperature remained relatively low across all treatments, with mean values of 20.26±1.15°C, 20.33 ±1.12°C, and 20.22 ±1.21°C in the first, second, and third treatments, respectively. Dissolved oxygen levels varied significantly (p ˂ 0.05) between treatments, with the S. oleracea-only treatment averaging 5.99 ±1.82 mg/L, the biochar-only treatment at 5.80 ±1.68 mg/L, and the biochar with S. oleracea treatment reaching 8.06 ±26.11 mg/L. In terms of ammonia levels, the S. oleracea-only treatment had significantly higher levels (p˂0.05) at 0.49±0.09 mg/L compared to the biochar-only treatment (0.28±0.09 mg/L) and the biochar with S. oleracea treatment (0.31±0.08 mg/L). However, no significant differences in nitrite and nitrate removal were found between the biochar-only and biochar with S. oleracea biofilter treatments. These findings highlight the effectiveness of biochar-based biofilters in improving water quality and promoting aquaculture sustainability. Future research endeavors should focus on the utilization of biochar-based biofilters within large-scale or commercial RAS. The overarching aim should be to enhance aquaculture production and environmental conservation efforts.
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Emily Aluoch Wafula , Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Kegati Aquaculture station, P.O Box 3259-40200, Kisii, Kenya
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Kegati Aquaculture station, Kisii, Kenya
James Onchieku , Kisii University, Department of Environment, Natural Resources and Aquatic Sciences, P.O Box 408 -40200, Kisii, Kenya 3
Kisii University, Department of Environment, Natural Resources and Aquatic Sciences, Kisii, Kenya
Paul Orina , Kisii University, Department of Environment, Natural Resources and Aquatic Sciences, P.O Box 408 -40200, Kisii, Kenya 3
Kisii University, Department of Environment, Natural Resources and Aquatic Sciences, Kenya
Kobingi Nyakeya , Kisii University, Department of Environment, Natural Resources and Aquatic Sciences, P.O Box 408 -40200, Kisii, Kenya
Kisii University, Department of Environment, Natural Resources and Aquatic Sciences, Kisii, Kenya
Safina Musa , Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), P.O. Box 136-40111, Pap-Onditi, Kenya
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Pap-Onditi, Kenya