The use of high rate algal ponds for the treatment of marine effluent from a recirculating fish rearing system

Type Article
Date 2000-10
Language English
Author(s) Pagand Pascal, Blancheton Jean-Paul, Lemoalle J, Casellas C
Affiliation(s) Univ Montpellier 1, Fac Pharm, UMR 5556, Dept Sci Environm & Sante Publ, F-34060 Montpellier, France.
IFREMER, F-34250 Palavas Les Flots, France.
GAMET IRD, F-34033 Montpellier, France.
Source Aquaculture Research (1355-557X) (Blackwell science), 2000-10 , Vol. 31 , N. 10 , P. 729-736
DOI 10.1046/j.1365-2109.2000.00493.x
WOS© Times Cited 41
Keyword(s) Nitrogen, Biofilters, Irradiance, Temperature, Photosynthesis, Growth, Culture, Chlorophyta, Nutrient Removal
Abstract A high rate algal pond (HRAP) system was used to treat effluent from a recirculating sea water aquaculture system in southern France. Dicentrarchus labrax L. were farmed at a high density, with effluents containing an average of 10 mg L-1 dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and 1.3 mg L-1 reactive phosphorus (RP). On a yearly basis, the algal pond removed 59% of the dissolved nitrogen and 56% of the phosphorus input, which was converted into 3.3 kg DW m(-2) algae. Green macroalgae were dominant throughout the year and the algal biomass mirrored the seasonal changes in daily irradiance and temperature. This first year study supports the possibility of treating marine aquaculture wastes using HPAPs, although conditions will have to be found to mitigate the strong influence of climate on the algal community during winter. During the more temperate season, only 150 m(2) of treatment ponds would be necessary to remove the nutrients produced by 1 ton of fish. Treated water was characterized by a high pH, elevated levels of dissolved oxygen (midday value) and low concentrations of nutrients and suspended solids. The absence of toxic phytoplankton meant that the water could be recycled through the farm tanks.
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