What is it about?
Freshwater scarcity threatens global aquaculture, especially for popular fish like Nile tilapia. This study explored a solution: reusing water from existing biofloc (BFT) tilapia farms. BFT systems are known for minimal water exchange and natural water treatment by beneficial microbes. We tested how different levels of water reuse (from 0% to 100%) affected water quality, fish growth, and health. We found that reusing more water, particularly 100% recycled water, significantly improved tilapia's growth performance. Crucially, the fish remained healthy, with no negative effects on their blood parameters, indicating they experienced no stress. This research demonstrates that reusing biofloc water is not only feasible but also beneficial, offering a sustainable way to boost tilapia production while conserving a vital resource.
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Why is it important?
This research offers a clear path for sustainable tilapia farming by proving that reusing biofloc water improves productivity without harming fish. It addresses freshwater scarcity, making aquaculture more environmentally responsible.
Perspectives
From this study, we see great potential to develop more water-efficient aquaculture practices. Future work could focus on optimizing the microbial communities in reused water to further enhance fish growth and nutrient cycling. We also aim to scale up this technology for commercial adoption, helping farms reduce operational costs and their environmental footprint globally, especially in water-stressed regions.
Dr. Anselmo Miranda-Baeza
Universidad Estatal de Sonora
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Reusing water in a biofloc culture system favors the productive performance of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) without affecting the health status, Aquaculture, September 2022, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2022.738363.
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