Because of the severe impact of diseases on production and the environmental devastation created by many commercial aquaculture effluents, modern methods of intensive aquaculture are evolving which rely heavily on recirculating the water. This proposal addresses the need for a modular, integrated technology in closed-loop aquaculture operations by enhancing the performance of a fluidized ion exchange bed that removes ammonia by the addition of the lowfrequency vibrational agitation, which also accelerates oxygenation and gas stripping, and ensures efficient use of ozone as a disinfectant. Additionally, the agitation will prevent fouling of the media with organic material, which compromises the ability of the media to adsorb ammonia. The vibrationally-enhanced aquaculture treatment system (VEATS) will provide an economical improvement that will enable a series of modular, integrated treatment units to function with the same efficiency as a much larger custom system designed specifically for cold water or warm water production.
Potential Commercial Applications: Aquaculture is growing faster than any other form of agriculture, creating worldwide demand for new technology that can make closed-loop, biosecure aquaculture operation affordable. The treatment technology will also have applications in treatment of wastewater and drinking water
