Page 302 - Trends in Science and Technology fo Sustainable Living

Trends in Science and Technology 263
for Sustainable Living

d. 1990s period:
Biofilter technology has advanced and become widely used
in aquaculture during the last decade. Using media like gravel, fiber,
or synthetic materials promotes bacterial colonization in the biofilter.
It helps to maintain improved water quality and minimizes the need
for frequent water changes in traditional systems (Avnimelech,
2014).

e. 2000s period:
Biofloc technology was launched and implemented in
Southeast Asia in the early 2000s, mainly in Indonesia, Thailand, and
Vietnam. Farmers and academics in the region are starting to see
the value of biofloc technology in enhancing aquaculture efficiency
and resolving the environmental issues associated with aquaculture
waste. Biofloc technology also aids in the reduction of reliance on
artificial feeds and the improvement of water quality in aquaculture
ponds. Biofloc gained popularity in the aquaculture industry in the
years that followed. The term “biofloc” refers to a technology that
combines the concept of a biofilter with the presence of microbe
flocs, which act as organic waste processors in water. Bacteria,
algae, and other minute organisms make up this floc. They aid in
the precipitation trash and organic particles in water, considerably
improving water quality.
Initially, biofloc was employed exclusively in shrimp
aquaculture, as shrimp aquaculture systems present unique waste
management issues. Biofloc aids in waste reduction and water
quality improvement in shrimp cultivation ponds, enhancing shrimp
growth and decreasing illness risk. Because of the success of biofloc
in shrimp farming, this technology is also being used in fish farming.
Biofloc can improve water quality and reduce waste’s impact on fish.
The biofloc method also allows for larger densities of fish cultivation,
maximizing fish production in a limited space. It increases the
efficiency and sustainability of fish aquaculture (Avnimelech, 2014).