Anaerobic Mineralization of Recirculating Aquaculture Drum Screen Effluent for Use as a Naturally-Derived Nutrient Solution in Hydroponic Cropping Systems

Operation and effluent treatment costs are limiting factors for the success of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in meeting seafood demand United States. Adopting a capture-and-reuse waste management model similar to terrestrial agriculture farmers would allow RAS monetize offset production costs. The moisture content nutrient profile makes it potential option use as hydroponic fertilizer. Treatment is needed mineralize particulate-bound nutrients before becoming viable solution. Anaerobic (AT), method used by municipal agricultural facilities reduce total solids, has been shown successfully from effluent. Continuously mixed anaerobic batch bioreactors were evaluate degree which AT may solid waste. Concentrations twelve different macro- micro-nutrients analyzed after treatment. Effluent samples determine fraction each aqueous forms. This study showed that an effective mineralization rate data be design pilot-scaled flow-through system.