TY - JOUR
T1 - New developments in recirculating aquaculture systems in Europe: a perspective on environmental sustainability
AU - Martins, C.I.
AU - Eding, E.H.
AU - Verdegem, M.C.J.
AU - Heinsbroek, L.T.N.
AU - Schneider, O.
AU - Blancheton, J.P.
AU - Roque dÓrbcastel, E.
AU - Verreth, J.A.J.
PY - 2010
Y1 - 2010
N2 - The dual objective of sustainable aquaculture, i.e., to produce food while sustaining natural resources is achieved only when production systems with a minimum ecological impact are used. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) provide opportunities to reduce water usage and to improve waste management and nutrient recycling. RAS makes intensive fish production compatible with environmental sustainability. This review aims to summarize the most recent developments within RAS that have contributed to the environmental sustainability of the European aquaculture sector. The review first shows the ongoing expansion of RAS production by species and country in Europe. Life cycle analysis showed that feed, fish production and waste and energy are the principal components explaining the ecological impact of RAS. Ongoing developments in RAS show two trends focusing on: (1) technical improvements within the recirculation loop and (2) recycling of nutrients through integrated farming. Both trends contributed to improvements in the environmental sustainability of RAS. Developments within the recirculation loop that are reviewed are the introduction of denitrification reactors, sludge thickening technologies and the use of ozone. New approached towards integrated systems include the incorporation of wetlands and algal controlled systems in RAS. Finally, the review identifies the key research priorities that will contribute to the future reduction of the ecological impact of RAS. Possible future breakthroughs in the fields of waste production and removal might further enhance the sustainabilty of fish production in RAS.
AB - The dual objective of sustainable aquaculture, i.e., to produce food while sustaining natural resources is achieved only when production systems with a minimum ecological impact are used. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) provide opportunities to reduce water usage and to improve waste management and nutrient recycling. RAS makes intensive fish production compatible with environmental sustainability. This review aims to summarize the most recent developments within RAS that have contributed to the environmental sustainability of the European aquaculture sector. The review first shows the ongoing expansion of RAS production by species and country in Europe. Life cycle analysis showed that feed, fish production and waste and energy are the principal components explaining the ecological impact of RAS. Ongoing developments in RAS show two trends focusing on: (1) technical improvements within the recirculation loop and (2) recycling of nutrients through integrated farming. Both trends contributed to improvements in the environmental sustainability of RAS. Developments within the recirculation loop that are reviewed are the introduction of denitrification reactors, sludge thickening technologies and the use of ozone. New approached towards integrated systems include the incorporation of wetlands and algal controlled systems in RAS. Finally, the review identifies the key research priorities that will contribute to the future reduction of the ecological impact of RAS. Possible future breakthroughs in the fields of waste production and removal might further enhance the sustainabilty of fish production in RAS.
KW - life-cycle assessment
KW - oreochromis-niloticus l.
KW - trout oncorhynchus-mykiss
KW - algal pond treatment
KW - constructed wetlands
KW - phosphorus removal
KW - water-quality
KW - nile tilapia
KW - waste-water
KW - coagulation/flocculation aids
U2 - 10.1016/j.aquaeng.2010.09.002
DO - 10.1016/j.aquaeng.2010.09.002
M3 - Article
VL - 43
SP - 83
EP - 93
JO - Aquacultural Engineering
JF - Aquacultural Engineering
SN - 0144-8609
IS - 3
ER -
