A novel three-stage seaweed (Ulva lactuca) biofilter design for integrated mariculture

摘要: Seaweed biofilters have proven their usefulness in the treatment of fishpond effluents. However, performance poses a dilemma: TAN (Total Ammonia N) uptake rate – and with it seaweed yield protein content is inversely proportional to efficiency. The ideal for biofilter would be high together novel three-stage design described here has solved this dilemma. used finding that ponds depended on flux through them, therefore effluents reduced concentration could provide if water flow increased proportionally. Effluents from seabream were passed series three successively smaller (25, 12.5 6.25 m2, respectively) air-agitated Ulva lactuca ponds. diminished inflow concentrations second third system compensated by exchange rates, sizes. was evaluated under several loads. efficiently removed (85–90%), at areal (up 2.9 g N m-2 d-1) while producing U. 44% dw) all stages, although mediocre yields 189 fresh d-1). Performance each pond correlated not concentration, but provides significant functional economic improvements biofiltration intensive water.