Towards stable water quality in RAS by use of a new rapid microbial test (Biostable water) (39154)

Water quality control is central for successful management of recirculating aquaculture systems. Most common and important chemical parameters (i.e. pH, TAN, nitrite, alkalinity) are measurable, whereas microbial water quality (abundance and activity) is more complicated to measure. Microbial water quality measurements are important for several reasons: it can be used to ensure safe and stable conditions (baseline), to identify sudden changes (deviations from baseline) and potentially contribute to improve system performance by identifying suboptimal treatment component or practices.

The aim of this project is to test a rapid microbial methods developed by Mycometer; a test that quantifies the microbial activity in different types of water samples within 30 minutes from sampling to measurement. The Bactiquant® method is expected to provide new insight of microbial succession within RAS and will be used to monitor microbial water quality in commercial recirculating aquaculture systems.

The project includes controlled batch experiments where disinfection efficiency and regrowth potentials can be estimated. The new knowledge can be applied in RAS management, and the project also includes method verification under commercial RAS conditions. The equipment has been introduced and implemented on a large model trout 3 farm with mixed effect and valuable experiences. The method is also being introduced to a huge smolt RAS facility build by Billund Aqua; here daily monitoring as well as intensive campaigns including diurnal measurements will be performed.

Partners
DTU Aqua, National Institute of Aquatic Resources (coordinator)
Mycometer, Denmark
Billund Aquaculture, Denmark

Funding
The project is funded by the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries through the Green Development and Demonstration Program (GUDP).

Research area: Aquaculture