Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Progress Report 1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Limited water resources and emphasis on effluent pollution reduction have created a more difficult economic, social and regulatory environment for aquaculture production facilities. This project improves the production efficiency of cool and cold water aquatic species by investigating technology and management issues limiting the development of economically efficient large-scale recirculating aquaculture systems. Production system research, conducted at a commercial scale, is focused on the reduction of water use and effluents using recirculating systems that incorporate improved or new approaches for biofiltration, gas exchange, rearing containment, biosecurity, feed application, biosolids control, water quality monitoring and control, and biomass harvest, assessment and transfer.
Improved waste management processes and guidelines are developed by linking with production system management and design. Integrated aquatic animal health management research focuses on the interrelationship between physical system design, the aquatic environment and occurrence of disease in intensively cultured fish. This work will provide more cost-effective, reliable, biosecure, and environmentally compatible aquaculture production systems and management practices. 2. List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) The following timeline of milestones was based on an original CRIS that began March 28, 2001. In the CRIS proposal, milestones were scheduled over a working timeline of 60 months. However, the Cooperative Agreement did not actually begin until September 1, 2001, and was terminated August 31, 2005, in order for this project to be replaced with a new CRIS titled, Development of Sustainable Land-Based Aquaculture Production Systems.
Because this project lasted only 48 months, instead of 60 months, the milestones that were originally going to be finished in FY 2006 were moved up to a target completion in FY 2005. The three major objectives of this research are to: I. Develop aquaculture production systems that are economically viable, scaled to commercial relevance and are environmentally compatible. II. Develop technologies and management practices that assure sustainability and environmental compatibility of intensive aquaculture systems. III. Develop management practices and technologies that improve stock health and enhance production efficiency under intensive fish culture conditions. FY 2004 I. Develop more efficient and less polluting aquaculture production systems: a. Complete evaluation of the hydrodynamics and solids fractionation within Cornell-type dual-drain rearing tanks. b. Develop and assess harvesting, grading, and inventory management technologies for large and deep circular culture
tanks. c. Evaluate advanced oxidation technologies, i.e., use of ozone and UV irradiation. d. Develop dynamic systems for carbon dioxide and oxygen control. e. Assess ultrasonic waste feed control in large production tanks. f. Evaluate CycloBio fluidized-sand biofilter technology. II. Improve waste management practices: a. Evaluate waste minimization and concentration techniques within water recirculation systems and waste treatment technologies on the aquaculture effluent. b. Evaluate physical-chemical treatment methods for nutrient removal, i.e., use of jar test apparatus to evaluate polymer and/or alum for phosphorus removal. c. Assess capture and thickening of waste biosolids in radial-flow settlers. d. Develop processes to treat the overtopping flow discharged from biosolids thickening tanks, i.e., use of polymer and/or alum to precipitate phosphorus and flocculate suspended solids. III. Integrated Aquatic Animal Health Management: a. Select and interview participating
fish farms and then sample fish and water for bacterial gill disease (Flavobacterium branchiophilum). b. Develop laboratory challenges for bacterial gill disease. FY 2005 I. Develop more efficient and less polluting aquaculture production systems: a. Complete evaluation of technologies to treat the concentrated waste discharged from the bottom-drain of Cornell-type dual-drain rearing tanks; also, develop guidelines for the design of Cornell-type dual-drain rearing tanks. b. Complete evaluations and develop guidelines and recommendations for harvesting, grading, and inventory management technologies for large and deep circular culture tanks. c. Complete evaluations and develop design criteria for application of advanced oxidation technologies, i.e., use of ozone and UV irradiation. d. Complete evaluations and develop guidelines for the design of dynamic systems for carbon dioxide and oxygen control. e. Complete evaluations and make final recommendations for application of
ultrasonic waste feed control in large production tanks. f. Complete evaluations of the CycloBio and develop comprehensive guidelines for the design and management of fluidized-sand biofilter technology. II. Improve waste management practices: a. Develop integrated waste management guidelines and make recommendations for best aquaculture waste management practices. b. Evaluate physical-chemical treatment methods for nutrient removal, i.e., use of chitosan to promote flocculation of particles entering fluidized- sand biofilters in order to achieve simultaneous particulate removal while oxidizing ammonia to nitrate. c. Assess capture and thickening of waste biosolids using an inclined traveling belt filter and geotextile tube filters. d. Develop processes to treat the overtopping flow discharged from biosolids thickening tanks, i.e., use of aerobic treatment basins. III. Integrated Aquatic Animal Health Management: a. Develop management practices for prevention and control of
bacterial gill disease (Flavobacterium branchiophilum). b. Transfer bacterial gill disease information for vaccine development. 4c List significant activities that support special target populations. Freshwater Institute scientists have provided technical support in aquaculture engineering, fish health and biosecurity, and trout and Arctic char culture across the Appalachian region. This work supports economic development in a region where many counties are rated as economically distressed and unemployment rates are greater than 10%. Across the Appalachian states of West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, there are many natural resources that appear to represent potential development opportunities. Current production figures indicate that the Mid-Atlantic Highlands region has not yet participated in the general expansion of the aquaculture industry in the U.S. 4d Progress report. This report serves to document research initially conducted under a reimbursable agreement
between ARS and The Conservation Fund on the parent CRIS 1930-31000-009-00D Development of Intensive Aquaculture Systems. The termination date of that agreement was changed from 31 August 2006 to 31 August 2005 and a follow-on research agreement was established (#59-1930-5-510). Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 1930-32000-003-00D Development of Sustainable Land-Based Aquaculture Systems. All project milestones were fully met in FY05 and no significant accomplishments are reported for FY06. 5. Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. New or improved technologies, aquaculture production practices, and engineering design criteria were produced over the life of this project. This research contributed to increased application of technology to aquatic animal production and the development of economically viable, globally competitive, and environmentally responsible aquaculture production systems. This
research has been used to improve the production efficiency of warm (e.g., tilapia), cool (e.g., walleye, yellow perch, and hybrid striped bass), and cold water (e.g., rainbow trout, Arctic char, and Atlantic salmon smolt) aquatic species that are cultured within large-scale recirculating aquaculture systems. Improvements in culture tank and biofilter design and in carbon dioxide and dissolved oxygen control will help fish farmers improve culture tank water quality, increase production capacity, and reduce fish farm production costs. Crowding, lifting, sorting and slaughter methods during fish harvest were developed or improved. Reduced labor requirements, improved worker safety, and food quality and increased animal well-being result from this research. The following new or improved aquaculture production practices, technologies, and engineering design criteria were produced: Water distribution structures were developed to better control rotational velocities and mixing within
dual-drain circular culture tanks. Critical design parameters required to achieve rapid solids flushing through the tanks bottom-center drain were also determined. These culture tank design details have been implemented at fish farms across North America to improve culture tank water quality and reduce fish farm capital costs by combining the function of high density rearing containment with the ability to separate settleable biosolids into a relatively small bottom center drain flow. This accomplishment aligns with the NP 106 Aquaculture Program Components: Aquaculture Production Systems (Production Intensity) and Sustainability and Environmental Compatibility of Aquaculture (Water Use & Reuse; Effluent Management Control; Environmental Sustainability). Two settling basin designs that remove solids from the flow exiting the bottom center drain of the dual-drain tanks were compared and the radial- flow settling basin design was found to approximately double the efficiency of
suspended solids removal. Equipment suppliers are now marketing the improved settling basin design and commercial fish farmers have retrofitted to the improved settling basin design. This accomplishment aligns with the NP 106 Aquaculture Program Components: Aquaculture Production Systems (Production Intensity) and Sustainability and Environmental Compatibility of Aquaculture (Water Use & Reuse; Effluent Management Control; Environmental Sustainability). A clam-shell type crowder grader system and an air-lift fish pump and dewatering/sorting chamber were developed and used to reduce labor and fish handling stress when grading and harvesting large and deep circular culture tanks. These commercial-scale fish transfer technologies will help fish farms reduce labor requirements. This accomplishment aligns with the Aquaculture Production Systems (Live Aquatic Animal Handling, Transport, and Inventory) component of NP 106. A prototype automatic percussive stunning system (Model SI-2,
Seafood Innovations, Brisbane, Australia) was evaluated and found to provide a nearly instantaneous percussive blow to the top of the fishs skull. The automatic percussive stunning system appeared to be a relatively humane process to kill the fish that also improved harvest efficiency and worker safety. Several rainbow trout producers are now considering using this new technology. This accomplishment aligns with the Aquaculture Production Systems (Live Aquatic Animal Handling, Transport, and Inventory) component of NP 106. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation dosages required to destroy dissolved ozone and inactivate bacteria in recirculating systems for salmonid production were determined. Ozone dosages required to inactivate bacteria in recirculating systems for salmonid production were identified. These findings will produce more biosecure aquatic production systems that sustain healthier and more growth promoting environments. This accomplishment aligns with the NP 106 Aquaculture
Program Components: Aquaculture Production Systems (Biosecurity; Production Intensity) and Sustainability and Environmental Compatibility of Aquaculture (Water Use & Reuse). A paper defining the state-of-the-art in fluidized-sand biofilter design and management was published. Presentation and publication of the design and management guidelines parameters have helped to educate engineering consultants and fish farmers on this complex to design but highly-efficient biofilters. This accomplishment aligns with the NP 106 Aquaculture Program Components: Aquaculture Production Systems (Production Intensity) and Sustainability and Environmental Compatibility of Aquaculture (Water Use & Reuse). Dynamic systems for dissolved carbon dioxide and oxygen control were developed and assessed within intensive recirculating aquaculture systems. The gas transfer and process control systems developed are now being used to improve culture tank water quality and increase carrying capacity within
high-intensity fish production systems. This accomplishment aligns with the NP 106 Aquaculture Program Components: Aquaculture Production Systems (Production Intensity) and Sustainability and Environmental Compatibility of Aquaculture (Water Use & Reuse). Production of dissolved carbon dioxide within a fluidized-sand biofilter was quantified and compared to the carbon dioxide production due to respiration of the cultured fish. These findings have led to an improved design approach for sizing and locating carbon dioxide stripping units for improving water quality control and fish growth efficiency within commercial recirculating aquaculture systems. This accomplishment aligns with the NP 106 Aquaculture Program Components: Aquaculture Production Systems (Production Intensity) and Sustainability and Environmental Compatibility of Aquaculture (Water Use & Reuse). Ultrasonic waste feed control was evaluated and found to achieve satiation feeding with minimal feed wastage in large
production tanks. The commercialization of this product was set back when the commercial partner that had intended to build and market the ultrasonic waste feed controller went out of business. This accomplishment aligns with the NP 106 Aquaculture Program Components: Aquaculture Production Systems (Production Intensity) and Sustainability and Environmental Compatibility of Aquaculture (Aquaculture Feeds). Wastewater management strategies and technology that producers can select as the most appropriate for their existing aquaculture operation were generated from this research. Industry-wide aquaculture operations that meet or exceed state and proposed EPA effluent standards for aquaculture will become more common. The following new or improved technologies and waste management practices were developed: Best waste management practice (BMP) guidelines for recirculating systems were developed and published in a report prepared by the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture for the United
States Environmental Protection Agency under an Interagency Agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research. This accomplishment aligns with the Sustainability and Environmental Compatibility of Aquaculture (Water Use and Reuse; Effluent Management Control; Social Sustainability; Environmental Sustainability) component of NP 106. A pilot-plant membrane biological reactor (MBR) was evaluated and determined to require little membrane maintenance while removing more than 99% of suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, and bacteria found in high solid and nutrient laden filter backwash flows. This research has provided design and management recommendations that can be used by fish farmers to reduce waste discharge and increase water reuse, especially in applications where inland marine recirculating systems can save money by reclaiming their saltwater discharge. This accomplishment aligns with the NP 106 Aquaculture Program Components:
Aquaculture Production Systems (Production Intensity; Culture of Marine Species in Low-Salinity Water) and Sustainability and Environmental Compatibility of Aquaculture (Water Use and Reuse; Effluent Management Control; Environmental Sustainability) An inclined belt filter using coagulation and flocculation aids (i.e., alum and/or polymers) was evaluated for removing and thickening suspended solids and phosphorus from the microscreen backwash discharged from intensive recirculating aquaculture systems. Inclined belt filter design and management recommendations are being developed to improve waste capture, dewatering, and disposal at both private and public intensive aquaculture facilities. This accomplishment aligns with the Sustainability and Environmental Compatibility of Aquaculture (Effluent Management Control; Environmental Sustainability) component of NP 106. A high-rate aerobic treatment process was evaluated for removing ammonia, soluble BOD, and some soluble phosphorus from
the overtopping flow discharged from biosolids thickening tanks. Findings will be used to design aerobic treatment basins that can rapidly remove wastes from what is arguably the dirtiest effluent. This accomplishment aligns with the Sustainability and Environmental Compatibility of Aquaculture (Effluent Management Control; Environmental Sustainability) component of NP 106. Optimum conditions required to produce coagulation, flocculation, and settling of suspended solids and phosphorus in microscreen filter backwash flows using alum, various polymers, or a combination of the two were identified so as to improve waste removal from aquaculture biosolids thickening and settling treatment systems. Results are being used to improve waste capture, dewatering, and disposal at both private and public intensive aquaculture facilities. This accomplishment aligns with the Sustainability and Environmental Compatibility of Aquaculture (Effluent Management Control; Environmental Sustainability)
component of NP 106. Fluidized sand biofilters dosed with chitosan were shown to capture fine solids at the same time that the bed maintained effective nitrification. The novel filter system developed will never require backwashing and shows great potential for significantly reducing solids and ammonia in fish farms that produce relatively large but dilute aquaculture effluents. This accomplishment aligns with the Sustainability and Environmental Compatibility of Aquaculture (Effluent Management Control; Environmental Sustainability) component of NP 106. 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Scientists at the Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute (Shepherdstown, WV) are transferring information directly to fish farmers through personal
contact technical assistance, group tours and visits to the research facility, publication and presentations at industry meetings and focused workshops. Specific information on biosecurity, biofiltration, disinfection, tank design, product quality, fish health, effluent waste treatment, water resource characterization, dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide management have been provided to industry stakeholders and academic colleagues. This research has been used to improve the production efficiency of warm (e.g., tilapia), cool (e.g., walleye, yellow perch, and hybrid striped bass), and cold water (e.g., rainbow trout, Arctic char, and Atlantic salmon smolt) aquatic species that are cultured within large-scale recirculating aquaculture systems. Innovative research on recirculating system design and management and fish harvest technologies has provided the aquaculture industry with new or improved practices to increase the efficiency of fish production in an environment of limiting
water resources and tight pollution discharge requirements. In addition, improved waste management processes and guidelines were provided to industry and to the US Environmental Protection Agency that link production system management and design with improved waste management processes and practices. Also, integrated aquatic animal health management research resulted in technology transfer regarding the interrelationship between physical system design, the aquatic environment, and occurrence of disease in intensively cultured fish.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Ebeling, J. M., Sibrell, P. L., Summerfelt, S. T., Schwartz, M. F. Evaluation of chemical coagulation-flocculation aids and acid mine drainage residual for the sequestering of phosphorus from intensive recirculating aquaculture effluent discharge. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 481-490.
- Ebeling, J. M., Summerfelt, S. T. Performance evaluation of a full-scale intensive recirculating aquaculture system's waste discharge treatment system. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 506-515.
- Summerfelt, S. T., Davidson, J., Waldrop, T., Vinci, B. J. Evaluation of full-scale carbon dioxide stripping columns in a coldwater recirculating system. Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 375-381.
- Summerfelt, S.T., Wilton, G., Roberts, D., Savage, T. Developments in recirculating systems for Arctic char culture in North America. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 354-374.
- Timmons, M. B., Ebeling, J. M., Wheaton, F. W., Summerfelt, S. T., Vinci, B. J. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, 2nd Edition. Cayuga Aquaculture Ventures, LLC. Ithaca, NY. 2002. 769 p.
- Bebak-Williams, J., Bullock, G., Carson, M.C. Oxytetracycline residues in a freshwater recirculating system. Aquaculture. 2002. v. 205. p. 221-230.
- Carson, M.C., Bullock, G., Bebak-Williams, J. Determination of oxytetracycline residues in matrixes from a freshwater reciculating aquaculture system. Journal of the American Organization of Analytical Chemists International. 2002. v. 85. p. 341-348.
- Carson, M.C., Bullock, G., Bebak-Williams, J. Determination of oxytetracycline residues in matrixes from a freshwater reciculating aquaculture system. Journal of the American Organization of Analytical Chemists International. 2002. v. 85. p. 341-348.
- Carson, M.C., Bullock, G., Bebak-Williams, J. Determination of oxytetracycline residues in matrixes from a freshwater reciculating aquaculture system. Journal of the American Organization of Analytical Chemists International. 2002. v. 85. p. 341-348.
- Chen, S., Summerfelt, S. T., Losordo, T., Malone, R. Recirculating systems, effluents, and treatments. Tomasso J. R., editor. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. Aquaculture and the Environment in the United States. 2002. p. 119-140
- Davidson, J., Waldrop, T., Summerfelt, S. T. Growth performance comparison of a Tree Rivers/Yukon Gold hybrid Arctic char and Yukon Gold Arctic char salvelinus alpinus at 12-14DGC. World Aquaculture Society. 2002. Abstract p. 83.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Limited water resources and emphasis on effluent pollution reduction have created a more difficult economic, social and regulatory environment for aquaculture production facilities. This project improves the production efficiency of cool and cold water aquatic species by investigating technology and management issues limiting the development of economically efficient large-scale recirculating aquaculture systems. Production system research, conducted at a commercial scale, is focused on the reduction of water use and effluents using recirculating systems that incorporate improved or new approaches for biofiltration, gas exchange, rearing containment, biosecurity, feed application, biosolids control, water quality monitoring and control, and biomass harvest, assessment and transfer. Improved waste
management processes and guidelines are developed by linking with production system management and design. Integrated aquatic animal health management research focuses on the interrelationship between physical system design, the aquatic environment and occurrence of disease in intensively cultured fish. This work will provide more cost-effective, reliable, biosecure, and environmentally compatible aquaculture production systems and management practices. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. The following timeline of milestones was based on an original CRIS that began March 28, 2001. In the CRIS proposal, milestones were scheduled over a working timeline of 60 months. However, the Cooperative Agreement did not actually begin until September 1, 2001, and was terminated August 31, 2005, in order for this project to be replaced with a new CRIS titled, Development of Sustainable Land-Based Aquaculture Production Systems. Because this project lasted only
48 months, instead of 60 months, the milestones that were originally going to be finished in FY 2006 were moved up to a target completion in FY 2005. The three major objectives of this research are to: I. Develop aquaculture production systems that are economically viable, scaled to commercial relevance and are environmentally compatible. II. Develop technologies and management practices that assure sustainability and environmental compatibility of intensive aquaculture systems. III. Develop management practices and technologies that improve stock health and enhance production efficiency under intensive fish culture conditions. FY 2004 I. Develop more efficient and less polluting aquaculture production systems: a. Complete evaluation of the hydrodynamics and solids fractionation within Cornell-type dual-drain rearing tanks. b. Develop and assess harvesting, grading, and inventory management technologies for large and deep circular culture tanks. c. Evaluate advanced oxidation
technologies, i.e., use of ozone and UV irradiation. d. Develop dynamic systems for carbon dioxide and oxygen control. e. Assess ultrasonic waste feed control in large production tanks. f. Evaluate CycloBio fluidized-sand biofilter technology. II. Improve waste management practices: a. Evaluate waste minimization and concentration techniques within water recirculation systems and waste treatment technologies on the aquaculture effluent. b. Evaluate physical-chemical treatment methods for nutrient removal, i.e. , use of jar test apparatus to evaluate polymer and/or alum for phosphorus removal. c. Assess capture and thickening of waste biosolids in radial-flow settlers. d. Develop processes to treat the overtopping flow discharged from biosolids thickening tanks, i.e., use of polymer and/or alum to precipitate phosphorus and flocculate suspended solids. III. Integrated Aquatic Animal Health Management: a. Select and interview participating fish farms and then sample fish and
water for bacterial gill disease (Flavobacterium branchiophilum). b. Develop laboratory challenges for bacterial gill disease. FY 2005 I. Develop more efficient and less polluting aquaculture production systems: a. Complete evaluation of technologies to treat the concentrated waste discharged from the bottom-drain of Cornell-type dual-drain rearing tanks; also, develop guidelines for the design of Cornell-type dual-drain rearing tanks.. b. Complete evaluations and develop guidelines and recommendations for harvesting, grading, and inventory management technologies for large and deep circular culture tanks. c. Complete evaluations and develop design criteria for application of advanced oxidation technologies, i.e., use of ozone and UV irradiation. d. Complete evaluations and develop guidelines for the design of dynamic systems for carbon dioxide and oxygen control. e. Complete evaluations and make final recommendations for application of ultrasonic waste feed control in large
production tanks. f. Complete evaluations of the CycloBio and develop comprehensive guidelines for the design and management of fluidized-sand biofilter technology. II. Improve waste management practices: a. Develop integrated waste management guidelines and make recommendations for best aquaculture waste management practices. b. Evaluate physical-chemical treatment methods for nutrient removal, i.e. , use of chitosan to promote flocculation of particles entering fluidized- sand biofilters in order to achieve simultaneous particulate removal while oxidizing ammonia to nitrate. c. Assess capture and thickening of waste biosolids using an inclined traveling belt filter and geotextile tube filters. d. Develop processes to treat the overtopping flow discharged from biosolids thickening tanks, i.e., use of aerobic treatment basins. III. Integrated Aquatic Animal Health Management: a. Develop management practices for prevention and control of bacterial gill disease (Flavobacterium
branchiophilum). b. Transfer bacterial gill disease information for vaccine development. 3a List the milestones that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2005. For each milestone, indicate the status: fully met, substantially met, or not met. If not met, why. 1. Develop guidelines for the design of "Cornell-type" dual-drain rearing tanks; also, complete evaluation of technologies to treat the concentrated waste discharged from the bottom-drain of Cornell-type dual- drain rearing tanks. Milestone Fully Met 2. Develop, assess and recommend harvesting, grading and inventory management technologies. Milestone Fully Met 3. Assess advanced oxidation technologies, i.e., use of ozone and UV irradiation. Milestone Substantially Met 4. Develop and assess dynamic systems for dissolved carbon dioxide and dissolved oxygen control. Milestone Fully Met 5. Complete evaluations and make final recommendations for application of ultrasonic waste feed control in large production tanks. Milestone
Substantially Met 6. Complete evaluations of the CycloBio and develop comprehensive guidelines for the design and management of fluidized-sand biofilter technology. Milestone Fully Met 7. Develop integrated waste management guidelines and make recommendations for best aquaculture waste management practices. Milestone Fully Met 8. Evaluate physical and chemical nutrient removal technologies. Milestone Fully Met 9. Assess capture and thickening of waste biosolids using an inclined traveling belt filter and geotextile tube filters. Milestone Substantially Met 10. Develop processes to treat the overtopping flow discharged from biosolids thickening tanks. Milestone Fully Met 3b List the milestones that you expect to address over the next 3 years (FY 2006, 2007, and 2008). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years under each milestone? CRIS Project Number 59-1930-1-0130, titled "Development of Intensive Aquaculture Systems," ended in FY 2005. The project is
being replaced by CRIS Project Number 1930-32000-003-00, "Development of Sustainable Land- based Aquaculture Production Systems", 1/11/2005 to 1/10/2010. 4a What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? Near Zero Discharge Using Membrane Biological Reactors To Reclaim Saline Wastewater Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) reduce water use and place waterborne wastes into concentrated and relatively small discharges. When a RAS is operated at high salinities for culture of marine species, recovering the saltwater contained in the backwash effluent would allow for reuse within the RAS and reduce salt discharge to the environment. Scientists at the Conservation Funds Freshwater Institute (Shepherdstown, WV) evaluated a pilot-plant membrane biological reactor (MBR) to determine ease of operation and effectiveness at removing bacteria, turbidity, suspended solids, and nutrients from the biosolids backwash flow discharged from RAS. Results indicate that the
pilot-scale MBR system removed in excess of 99% of the suspended solids, carbonaceous BOD, and bacteria, as well as more than 93% of the total nitrogen contained within the backwash flow when operated at salinity levels of 0 ppt, 8 ppt, 16 ppt, and 32 ppt. Mean concentration exiting the MBR over the four salinities tested ranged from 0.3-2.5 mg/L for TSS, 0.6-1.4 mg/L for cBOD, 2.6-3.9 mg/L for Total Nitrogen, and 1.5-8.2 mg/L for Total Phosphorus. The high degree of treatment provided by the MBR system would protect the environment and provide the opportunity to reclaim saline discharge flow. 4b List other significant accomplishments, if any. Improving Humane Slaughter of Rainbow Trout at Harvest An optimal slaughter method should be humane, result in excellent product quality and food safety, and be efficient and safe for users. Researchers at The Conservation Funds Freshwater Institute (Shepherdstown, WV) evaluated a prototype percussive stunning system (Model SI-2, Seafood
Innovations (Brisbane, Australia) for slaughter of food-size (0.8-1.0 kg) rainbow trout. During four trials, the prototype stunner provided stun rates of 92.7, 93.5, 96.3, and 90.7% for trout that averaged 0.8-1.0 kg/fish. The automatic percussive stunning system provided a nearly instantaneous percussive blow to the top of the fishs skull, which, when compared to other methods, appeared to be a relatively humane process that also improved harvest efficiency and worker safety. New Aquaculture Effluent Treatment Technology Provides Simultaneous Ammonia and Solids Removal More effective methods of waste control are necessary to remove total suspended solids and dissolved waste products from large, but relatively dilute, aquaculture effluents. Scientists at The Conservation Funds Freshwater Institute (Shepherdstown, WV) demonstrated that the flocculating agent chitosan, when added to an aquaculture effluent pumped through fluidized sand biofilters, produced simultaneous removal of
suspended solids and ammonia. Adding only 0.5 mg/L of dissolved chitosan to the water entering the biofilters allowed the units to achieve suspended solids and ammonia nitrogen removal efficiencies of 65.1 - 2.5 and 84.3 - 1.3 %, respectively, and maintained mean suspended solids and ammonia nitrogen effluent concentrations of 1.60 - 0.11 mg/L and 0.11 - 0. 01 mg/L, respectively. The fluidized beds dosed with chitosan were shown to capture fine solids at the same time that the bed maintained effective nitrification. The filter system never requires backwashing and shows great potential for significantly reducing solids and ammonia in relatively large but dilute aquaculture effluents. Improving Suspended Solids and Phosphorus Settling Using Alum and Polymers Phosphorus, discharged by aquaculture systems, is one of the nutrients of high regulatory concern due to its impact on receiving bodies of water. Scientists at the Conservation Funds Freshwater Institute (Shepherdstown, WV)
conducted standard jar test studies to evaluate the effectiveness of commercial coagulation-flocculation polymers with alum for removing both suspended solids and phosphorus from drum filter backwash flow from an intensive recirculating aquaculture system. The effluent total suspended solids removal rate was close to 99%, with final TSS values ranging from as low as 4 to 20 mg/L and reactive phosphorus was reduced by 92 to 99% to as low as 0.16 mg/L-P. Application of coagulation-flocculation chemicals improved capture of fine solids and total phosphorus, resulting in a more environmentally sustainable effluent discharge. Improving Biosolids Capture and Thickening Using an Inclined Belt Filter Waste biosolids contained in aquaculture facilities filter backwash flows must be captured and thickened for cost-effective disposal. Scientists at The Conservation Funds Freshwater Institute (Shepherdstown, WV) evaluated an inclined belt filter for removing and thickening these biosolids.
Alum as a coagulant aid was moderately efficient at removing solids (82%) and very efficient at sequestering reactive phosphorus (96%), with resulting effluent concentrations less than 0.07 mg/L-P at the highest alum dose tested (100 mg/L). Several commercially available polymers used at low dose (15 mg/L) were also effective at removing suspended solids (96%), but removed only 40% of the reactive phosphorus. When the optimum doses of alum and polymer were applied in combination, the inclined belt filter increased the dry matter content of the sludge to approximately 10% solids, and reduced suspended solids and soluble phosphorus concentration of the effluent by 95% and 80%, respectively. By eliminating the need for settling tanks or ponds, the leaching of nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen) is minimized and the dewatered sludge is in a form that fish farmers could readily transport, store, or send for disposal. Microbiological Pathways for Nitrogen Removal from Recirculating
Aquaculture Systems After oxygen, ammonia-nitrogen buildup from metabolism of feed is usually the factor limiting production in intensive aquaculture systems. Scientists at the Conservation Funds Freshwater Institute (Shepherdstown, WV) and Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) examined three nitrogen conversion pathways traditionally used for the removal of ammonia- nitrogen in aquaculture systems: photoautotrophic removal of ammonia by algae, autotrophic bacterial conversion of ammonia-nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen, and heterotrophic bacterial conversion of ammonia-nitrogen directly to microbial biomas. A set of stoichiometric balanced relationships using half-reaction relationships was developed and effects on water quality were determined. The impact of the carbon to nitrogen ratio of feed and with carbon supplementation on heterotrophic metabolism of ammonia was further examined in relationship to zero-exchange aquaculture production systems. This research provides fish farmers with
valuable insight into water quality control mechanisms that can be applied to zero-exchange production systems. 4c List any significant activities that support special target populations. Freshwater Institute scientists have provided technical support in aquaculture engineering, fish health and biosecurity, and trout and Arctic char culture across the Appalachian region. This work supports economic development in a region where many counties are rated as economically distressed and unemployment rates are greater than 10%. Across the Appalachian states of West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, there are many natural resources that appear to represent potential development opportunities. Current production figures indicate that the Mid-Atlantic Highlands region has not yet participated in the general expansion of the aquaculture industry in the U.S. 4d Progress report. This report documents research conducted under a reimbursable agreement between ARS and The Conservation
Fund, CRIS 59-1930-1-0130 Development of Intensive Aquaculture Systems. Rainbow trout were stocked into the partial-reuse fingerling system and the fully recirculating growout system and a sequential stocking and selective harvest strategy was used to sustain high rainbow trout biomass productivity under maximum design production densities of 60-90 kg/m3. Sustained continuous production approached nearly 1 metric ton of marketable fish per week. During the FY 2004-2005 period of production system research at The Conservation Funds Freshwater Institute (TCFFI), almost 50 mton of approximately 0.9 kg rainbow trout were produced, harvested, and then donated to the Virginia Food Banks Consortium, the Americas Second Harvest program partner, and to local Union Rescue Missions in Martinsburg, WV, Hagerstown, MD and Winchester, VA. Hydrodynamics of the Cornell-type dual-drain culture tank were evaluated and guidelines were developed. Results were published in 2004 in the journal
Aquacultural Engineering. Two settling basin designs to remove solids from the flow exiting the bottom center drain of the Cornell-type tank were compared. A paper describing the findings was published in Aquacultural Engineering. Development and evaluation of the combination of a clam-shell grader/crowder gate, an airlift fish pump and a hand sorting table during fish harvest was completed. Evaluation of a prototype percussive stunning system (Model SI-2 from Seafood Innovations (Brisbane, Australia) for slaughter of food-size (0.8- 1.0 kg) rainbow trout was completed. A paper describing the results is in press in the Global Aquaculture Advocate. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation dosages required to destroy dissolved ozone and inactivate bacteria were determined. Two manuscripts were published in Aquacultural Engineering, one in 2004 and the other in 2005 Ozone dosages required to inactivate bacteria in recirculating systems for salmonid production were identified. Results were
presented at two conferences are are being written up for peer-review journal publication. A model, based on completed empirical studies, was developed to describe the accumulation of dissolved organic carbon within a recirculating system for salmonid production. This research, presented at Aquaculture America 2005, was done in collaboration with Dr. Brian Brazil (USDA ARS, National Center for Cool and Coldwater Aquaculture, Leetown, WV). The evaluation of a dynamic carbon dioxide control system was published in 2004 in the journal Aquacultural Engineering as part of the paper describing the partial water reuse system. A dynamic dissolved oxygen control system was developed and evaluated; these findings are being written up for peer-review journal publication. The evaluation of CycloBio fluidized-sand biofilters was published in the 2004 Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture Systems. A paper that describes the design and management of
fluidized-sand biofilters was completed and is in press in Aquacultural Engineering. Optimum conditions required to produce coagulation, flocculation, and settling of suspended solids and phosphorus in microscreen filter backwash flows using alum or ferric chloride were determined and a paper describing these findings was published in 2004 in the North American Journal of Aquaculture. Optimum conditions required to produce coagulation, flocculation, and settling of suspended solids and phosphorus in microscreen filter backwash flows using various polymers were determined and a paper describing these findings was published in 2005 in the journal Aquacultural Engineering. Optimum conditions required to produce coagulation, flocculation, and settling of suspended solids and phosphorus in microscreen filter backwash flows using a combination of alum and polymer were determined and a paper describing these findings is now in review in the Journal of the World Aquaculture Society. An
inclined belt filter using coagulation / flocculation aids (alum /polymers) for removing and thickening suspended solids and phosphorus from the microscreen backwash discharged from intensive recirculating aquaculture systems was evaluated. A manuscript describing this work is in press in the journal Aquacultural Engineering. A pilot-scale membrane biological reactor system for treating and reclaiming a saline backwash flow (ranging in salinity from 0 to 32 ppt) from a recirculating aquaculture system was evaluated. This research was presented at Aquaculture America 2005 and the 2005 Animal Agriculture and Processing Conference and these findings are being written up for peer- review journal publication. A high-rate aerobic treatment process for removing ammonia, soluble BOD, and some soluble phosphorus from the overtopping flow discharged from biosolids thickening tanks was developed and evaluated. This work was done in collaboration with Dr. Brian Brazil (USDA ARS National Center
for Cool and Coldwater Aquaculture, Leetown, WV). A manuscript describing this research is in press in the journal Aquacultural Engineering. Simultaneous solids and ammonia removal within small, replicated, fluidized sand biofilter columns using dissolved chitosan as a flocculant was evaluated. This research was presented at Aquaculture America 2005. Freshwater Institute and University of Connecticut scientists (Dr. Salvatore Frasca and Mr. Andrew Draghi) have identified a bacterium that infects gill of Arctic char as a chlamydia-like bacterium (CLB). Work on gene sequencing, organism identification, and assay development has resulted in molecular assays to support investigation of reservoirs of infection of this emerging CLB. Identification of these reservoirs is necessary for development of strategies for prevention, control and treatment of this respiratory disease. A manuscript describing the pathology of a case of chronic diarrhea in Arctic char is now in press in the Journal
of the European Association of Fish Pathologists. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. New or improved technologies, aquaculture production practices, and engineering design criteria were produced over the life of this project. This research contributed to increased application of technology to aquatic animal production and the development of economically viable, globally competitive, and environmentally responsible aquaculture production systems. This research has been used to improve the production efficiency of warm (e.g., tilapia), cool (e.g., walleye, yellow perch, and hybrid striped bass), and cold water (e.g., rainbow trout, Arctic char, and Atlantic salmon smolt) aquatic species that are cultured within large-scale recirculating aquaculture systems. Improvements in culture tank and biofilter design, and in carbon dioxide and dissolved oxygen control will help fish farmers improve culture tank water
quality, increase production capacity, and reduce fish farm production costs. Crowding, lifting, sorting and slaughter methods during fish harvest were developed or improved. Reduced labor requirements, improved worker safety, and food quality and increased animal well-being result from this research. The following new or improved aquaculture production practices, technologies, and engineering design criteria were produced: Water distribution structures were developed to better control rotational velocities and mixing within dual-drain circular culture tanks. Critical design parameters required to achieve rapid solids flushing through the tanks bottom-center drain were also determined. These culture tank design details have been implemented at fish farms across North America to improve culture tank water quality and reduce fish farm capital costs by combining the function of high density rearing containment with the ability to separate settleable biosolids into a relatively small
bottom center drain flow. Two settling basin designs that remove solids from the flow exiting the bottom center drain of the dual-drain tanks were compared and the radial- flow settling basin design was found to approximately double the efficiency of suspended solids removal. Equipment suppliers are now marketing the improved settling basin design and commercial fish farmers have retrofitted to the improved settling basin design. A clam-shell type crowder grader system and an air-lift fish pump and dewatering/sorting chamber were developed and used to reduce labor and fish handling stress when grading and harvesting large and deep circular culture tanks. These commercial-scale fish transfer technologies will help fish farms reduce labor requirements. A prototype automatic percussive stunning system (Model SI-2, Seafood Innovations, Brisbane, Australia) was evaluated and found to provide a nearly instantaneous percussive blow to the top of the fishs skull. The automatic percussive
stunning system appeared to be a relatively humane process to kill the fish that also improved harvest efficiency and worker safety. Several rainbow trout producers are now considering using this new technology. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation dosages required to destroy dissolved ozone and inactivate bacteria in recirculating systems for salmonid production were determined. Ozone dosages required to inactivate bacteria in recirculating systems for salmonid production were identified. These findings will produce more biosecure aquatic production systems that sustain healthier and more growth promoting environments. A paper defining the state-of-the-art in fluidized-sand biofilter design and management was published. Presentation and publication of the design and management guidelines parameters have helped to educate engineering consultants and fish farmers on these complex to design but highly-efficient biofilters. Dynamic systems for dissolved carbon dioxide and oxygen control were
developed and assessed within intensive recirculating aquaculture systems. The gas transfer and process control systems developed are now being used to improve culture tank water quality and increase carrying capacity within high-intensity fish production systems. Production of dissolved carbon dioxide within a fluidized-sand biofilter was quanitified and compared to the carbon dioxide production due to respiration of the cultured fish. These findings have led to an improved design approach for sizing and locating carbon dioxide stripping units for improving water quality control and fish growth efficiency within commercial recirculating aquaculture systems. Ultrasonic waste feed control was evaluated and found to achieve satiation feeding with minimal feed wastage in large production tanks. The commercialization of this product was set back when the commercial partner that had intended to build and market the ultrasonic waste feed controller went out of business. Wastewater
management strategies and technology that producers can select as the most appropriate for their existing aquaculture operation were generated from this research. Industry-wide aquaculture operations that meet or exceed state and proposed EPA effluent standards for aquaculture will become more common. The following new or improved technologies and waste management practices were developed: Best waste management practice (BMP) guidelines for recirculating systems were developed and published in a report prepared by the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture for the United States Environmental Protection Agency under an Interagency Agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research. A pilot-plant membrane biological reactor (MBR) was evaluated and determined to require little membrane maintenance while removing more than 99% of suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, and bacteria found in high solid and nutrient laden filter backwash flows. This
research has provided design and management recommendations that can be used by fish farmers to reduce waste discharge and increase water reuse, especially in applications where inland marine recirculating systems can save money by reclaiming their saltwater discharge. An inclined belt filter using coagulation and flocculation aids (i.e., alum and/or polymers) was evaluated for removing and thickening suspended solids and phosphorus from the microscreen backwash discharged from intensive recirculating aquaculture systems. Inclined belt filter design and management recommendations are being developed to improve waste capture, dewatering, and disposal at both private and public intensive aquaculture facilities. A high-rate aerobic treatment process was evaluated for removing ammonia, soluble BOD, and some soluble phosphorus from the overtopping flow discharged from biosolids thickening tanks. Findings will be used to design aerobic treatment basins that can rapidly remove wastes from
what is arguably the dirtiest effluent . Optimum conditions required to produce coagulation, flocculation, and settling of suspended solids and phosphorus in microscreen filter backwash flows using alum, various polymers, or a combination of the two were identified so as to improve waste removal from aquaculture biosolids thickening and settling treatment systems. Results are being used to improve waste capture, dewatering, and disposal at both private and public intensive aquaculture facilities. Fluidized sand biofilters dosed with chitosan were shown to capture fine solids at the same time that the bed maintained effective nitrification. The novel filter system developed will never require backwashing and shows great potential for significantly reducing solids and ammonia in fish farms that produce relatively large but dilute aquaculture effluents. 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become
available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Scientists at the Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute (Shepherdstown, WV) are transferring information directly to fish farmers through personal contact technical assistance, group tours and visits to the research facility, publication and presentations at industry meetings and focused workshops. Specific information on biosecurity, biofiltration, disinfection, tank design, product quality, fish health, effluent waste treatment, water resource characterization, dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide management have been provided to industry stakeholders and academic colleagues. This research has been used to improve the production efficiency of warm (e.g., tilapia), cool (e.g., walleye, yellow perch, and hybrid striped bass), and cold water (e.g., rainbow trout, Arctic char, and Atlantic salmon smolt) aquatic species that
are cultured within large-scale recirculating aquaculture systems. Innovative research on recirculating system design and management and fish harvest technologies has provided the aquaculture industry with new or improved practices to increase the efficiency of fish production in an environment of limiting water resources and tight pollution discharge requirements. In addition, improved waste management processes and guidelines were provided to industry and to the US Environmental Protection Agency that link production system management and design with improved waste management processes and practices. Also, integrated aquatic animal health management research resulted in technology transfer regarding the interrelationship between physical system design, the aquatic environment, and occurrence of disease in intensively cultured fish. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List
your peer reviewed publications below). Anonymous. 2005. Water quality and recirculation systems to help Arctic charr reach its potential. April, 2005, Fish Farming International, p.10- 13. Anonymous. 2005. Tomorrow's Fisheries; Today's Hungry. A Guide to Aquaculture-Food Bank Partnerships. The Conservation Funds Freshwater Institute. November, 2004, 14 pgs. Bebak-Williams, J. 2004. Prevention and control of the parasitic gill copepod, Salmincola sp. PennAqua 2004, September 9-10, 2004, Harrisburg, PA. Brazil, B.L., Summerfelt, S.T., Sharrer, M.J. 2005. Review of ozone applications in aquaculture. In: Ozone IV: Applications of Ozone as an Antimicrobial Agent in the Food and Agriculture Industries, March 2-4, 2005, Fresno, California, International Ozone Association-Pan American Group, Quincy, MA. Davidson, J., Summerfelt, S.T., 2005. Simultaneous solids and ammonia removal within fluidized sand biofilter columns using dissolved chitosan as a flocculant. pp. 440 In: Aquaculture America
2005, January 17-20, New Orleans, LA. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. Davidson, J.T., Summerfelt, S.T. 2005. Settler evaluation: Radial flow vs. tangential flow. Global Aquaculture Advocate, 8(3), 56-57. Davidson, J., Masters, A., Vinci, B., Summerfelt, S. 2004. Testing dual tank drains for improved waste removal at Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery. Hatchery International, 5(3), 22-23, 34. Ebeling, J.M., Timmons, M.B. 2004. Mixed-cell raceways offer best of two water worlds. Global Aquaculture Advocate, August, p. 66-67. Ebeling, J.M., Rishel, K.L., 2005. Evaluation of coagulation aids for the removal of suspended solids and phosphorus from recirculating aquaculture effluent discharge. Aquacultural Engineering Society News, 7(4):2-4. Ebeling, J.M., Rishel, K.L. 2005. Evaluation of coagulation aids. Aquaculture Magazine 31(2), p. 54-57. Ebeling, J. M., Welsh, C.F. 2005. Use of belt filters for thickening waste from conventional microscreen drum filters. Hatchery
International, 6(3):11. Ebeling, J. M., Rishel, K. L. 2005. Performance evaluation of the Hydrotech belt filter using coagulation / flocculation aids (alum /polymers) for the removal of suspended solids and phosphorus from intensive recirculating aquaculture microscreen backwash effluent. In: Aquaculture America 2005 Abstracts, January 17-20, 2005, New Orleans, LA. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA, p.117. Ebeling, J. M., Rishel, K. L., Sibrell, P. L. 2005. Utilization of chemical coagulation-flocculation aids for the removal of total suspended solids and phosphorus from the discharge of microscreens in intensive recirculating aquaculture systems. In: Aquaculture America 2005 Abstracts, January 17-20, 2005, New Orleans, LA. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA, p. 120. Ebeling, J. M., Rishel, K. L. 2005. Screening of commercially available polymers as flocculation aids for the removal of suspended solids from microscreen backwash water in intensive recirculating
aquaculture systems. In: Aquaculture America 2005 Abstracts, , January 17-20, 2005, New Orleans, LA. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA, p.121. Ebeling, J.M., Rishel, K.L., Welsh, C.F., Timmons M.B. 2005. Impact of the carbon/nitrogen ratio on water quality in zero-exchange shrimp production systems. In: Aquaculture America 2005 Abstracts, New Orleans, LA. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA, p.119. Ebeling, J. M., Timmons, M. B., Welsh, C.F., Rishel, K. L. 2005. Experiences with a zero-exchange mixed-cell raceway for the production of marine shrimp in an inland site. In: Aquaculture America 2005 Abstracts, January 17-20, 2005, New Orleans, LA. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA, p.122. Schwartz, M.F., Ebeling, J.M., Rishel, K.L., Summerfelt, S.T. 2005. Dewatering aquaculture biosolids with geotextile bags. In: Aquaculture America 2005 Abstracts, January 17-20, New Orleans, LA. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA, p.118. Sharrer, M.J., Summerfelt, S.T.
2005. Ozone inactivation of bacteria in a recirculating salmonid culture system. In: Ozone IV: Applications of Ozone as an Antimicrobial Agent in the Food and Agriculture Industries, March 2-4, 2005, Fresno, California, International Ozone Association-Pan American Group, Quincy, MA. Sharrer, M.J., Summerfelt, S.T., Hankins, J.A. 2005. Membrane biological reactor treatment of a saline backwash flow from a recirculating aquaculture system. In: Proceeding of the Animal Agriculture and Processing Conference: Managing Environmental Impacts, August 31- September 2, St Louis, MO. Water Environment Federation, Alexandria, VA. Summerfelt, S.T. 2005. Fluidized-Sand Biofilters. Aquaculture Magazine 31(4):56-59. Summerfelt, S.T. 2005. Design and management of conventional fluidized- sand biofilters. In: Aquaculture America 2005 Abstracts, January 17-20, New Orleans, LA. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. Summerfelt, S.T. 2004. Recirculating aquaculture system design. PennAqua 2004,
September 9-11, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Harrisburg, PA. Summerfelt, S.T. 2004. Design and management of conventional fluidized- sand biofilters. Design and Selection of Biological Filters for Freshwater and Marine Applications, November 8-10, 2004, Aquacultural Engineering Society and The Oceanic Institute, Waimanalo, HI. Summerfelt, S.T., Vinci, B.J. 2004. Avoiding water quality failures: Part 1 carrying capacity and water flow in intensive aquaculture systems. World Aquaculture 35(4):6-8, 70. Summerfelt, S. T., Vinci, B.J. 2004. Avoiding water quality failures: Part 2 recirculating systems. World Aquaculture 35(4):9-11, 71. Summerfelt, S.T., Davidson, J., Brazil, B. 2005. Dissolved organic carbon production in recirculating salmonid culture systems. In: Aquaculture America 2005 Abstracts, January 17-20, New Orleans, LA. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA, p.441. Summerfelt, S.T., Sharrer, M.J. 2005. Ozone inactivation of bacteria in a recirculating
salmonid culture system. In: Aquaculture America 2005 Abstracts, January 17-20, New Orleans, LA. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA, p.442. Summerfelt, S. T., Sharrer, M.J., Hankins, J.A. 2005. Membrane biological reactor treatment of a recirculating system backwash flow for water reclamation. In: Aquaculture America 2005 Abstracts, January 17-20, New Orleans, LA. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA, p.443. Summerfelt, S. T., Davidson, J. T., Waldrop, T., Tsukuda, S., Bebak- Williams, J. 2005. Partial-reuse systems: Offer benefits for coldwater, seawater aquaculture. Global Aquaculture Advocate 8(1):68-69. The following are Scientific Publication form Non-ARS Scientists that contain findings from this research project. Adler, P.R., Sikora, L.J. 2005. Mesophilic composting of Arctic char manure. Compost Science and Utilization 13:34-42. log # 143641 Brazil, B.L., Vinci, B.J., Summerfelt, S.T. 2004. Fish culture system design for the future. In: Nickum, M.J., MacKinlay,
D.D., editors. Propagated Fish in Resource Management. American Fisheries Society, Symposium 44, American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland, p. 635-644. Log 155453 Davidson, J., Summerfelt, S.T. 2004. Solids flushing, mixing, and water velocity profiles within large (10 m3 and 150 m3) circular Cornell-type dual-drain tanks used for salmonid culture. Aquacultural Engineering 32:245-271. Davidson, J., Summerfelt, S.T. 2005. Solids removal from a coldwater recirculating system comparison of a swirl separator and a radial-flow settler. Aquacultural Engineering 33:47-61. Ebeling, J.M., Rishel, K.L., Sibrell, P.L. 2005. Screening and evaluation of polymers as flocculation aids for the treatment of aquacultural effluents. Aquacultural Engineering 33:235-249. Jittinandana, S., Kenney, P.B., Mazik, P.M., Danley, M., Nelson, C.D., Kiser, R.A., Hankins, J.A. 2005. Transport and stunning affect quality of Arctic char fillets. Journal of Muscle Foods 16:274-288. Masters, A.L. 2004. Formalin
treatment methods: A review. North American Journal of Aquaculture 66:325333 Sharrer, M.J., Summerfelt, S.T., Bullock, G.L., Gleason, L.E., Taeuber, J. 2005. Inactivation of bacteria using ultraviolet irradiation in a recirculating salmonid culture system. Aquacultural Engineering 33:135- 149. Summerfelt, S.T., Sharrer, M.J. 2004. Design implication of biofilter carbon dioxide production within recirculating salmonid culture systems. Aquacultural Engineering 32:171-182. Summerfelt, S.T., Davidson, J., Waldrop, T., Tsukuda, S., Bebak-Williams, J. 2004. A partial-reuse system for coldwater aquaculture. Aquacultural Engineering 31:157-181. Summerfelt, S.T., Sharrer, M.J., Hollis, J., Gleason, L.E., Summerfelt, S. R. 2004. Dissolved ozone destruction using ultraviolet irradiation in a recirculating salmonid culture system. Aquacultural Engineering 32:209- 224. Vinci, B.J., Summerfelt, S.T., Creaser, D.A., Gillette, K. 2004. Design of partial water reuse systems at White River National
Fish Hatchery for the production of Atlantic salmon smolt for restoration stocking. Aquacultural Engineering 32:225-244. Watten, B.J., Sibrell, P.L., Montgomery, G.A., Tsukuda, S.M. 2004. Modification of pure oxygen absorption equipment for concurrent stripping of carbon dioxide. Aquacultural Engineering 32:183-208.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Carson, M.C., Bullock, G., Bebak-Williams, J. Determination of oxytetracycline residues in matrixes from a freshwater reciculating aquaculture system. Journal of the American Organization of Analytical Chemists International. 2002. v. 85. p. 341-348.
- Chen, S., Summerfelt, S. T., Losordo, T., Malone, R. Recirculating systems, effluents, and treatments. Tomasso J. R., editor. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. Aquaculture and the Environment in the United States. 2002. p. 119-140
- Davidson, J., Waldrop, T., Summerfelt, S. T. Growth performance comparison of a Tree Rivers/Yukon Gold hybrid Arctic char and Yukon Gold Arctic char salvelinus alpinus at 12-14DGC. World Aquaculture Society. 2002. Abstract p. 83.
- Ebeling, J. M., Sibrell, P. L., Summerfelt, S. T., Schwartz, M. F. Evaluation of chemical coagulation-flocculation aids and acid mine drainage residual for the sequestering of phosphorus from intensive recirculating aquaculture effluent discharge. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 481-490.
- Bebak-Williams, J., Bullock, G., Carson, M.C. Oxytetracycline residues in a freshwater recirculating system. Aquaculture. 2002. v. 205. p. 221-230.
- Carson, M.C., Bullock, G., Bebak-Williams, J. Determination of oxytetracycline residues in matrixes from a freshwater reciculating aquaculture system. Journal of the American Organization of Analytical Chemists International. 2002. v. 85. p. 341-348.
- Carson, M.C., Bullock, G., Bebak-Williams, J. Determination of oxytetracycline residues in matrixes from a freshwater reciculating aquaculture system. Journal of the American Organization of Analytical Chemists International. 2002. v. 85. p. 341-348.
- Ebeling, J. M., Summerfelt, S. T. Performance evaluation of a full-scale intensive recirculating aquaculture system's waste discharge treatment system. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 506-515.
- Summerfelt, S. T., Davidson, J., Waldrop, T., Vinci, B. J. Evaluation of full-scale carbon dioxide stripping columns in a coldwater recirculating system. Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 375-381.
- Summerfelt, S.T., Wilton, G., Roberts, D., Savage, T. Developments in recirculating systems for Arctic char culture in North America. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 354-374.
- Timmons, M. B., Ebeling, J. M., Wheaton, F. W., Summerfelt, S. T., Vinci, B. J. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, 2nd Edition. Cayuga Aquaculture Ventures, LLC. Ithaca, NY. 2002. 769 p.
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it? Limited water resources and an increased emphasis on effluent pollution reduction have created a difficult regulatory, economic, and social environment for aquaculture production facilities. This project will improve the production efficiency of cool and cold-water aquaculture species through research into three fundamental areas of intensive production and system development. Research will address problems of physical scale, design and economic viability; challenges of sustainability and environmental compatibility; and development of technologies and management practices that improve stock health and enhance production efficiency. 2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Certain production practices and key production inputs, as utilized currently, are no longer assuring future profitability or sustainability for the aquaculture industry. A maturing aquaculture sector now
requires more cost-effective, reliable, biosecure, and environmentally compatible production systems and management practices 3. How does it relate to the National Program(s) and National Program Component(s) to which it has been assigned? National Program #106 Aquaculture 100% This research addresses several of the National Program Components for Aquaculture: Aquaculture Production Systems (Primary) Research will focus on the reduction of water use and effluents through the use of recirculating technology for aquaculture. Through engineering research improved or new approaches will be found for biofiltration, gas exchange, rearing containment, biosecurity, feed application, biosolids control, water quality monitoring and control, and biomass harvest, assessment and transfer. Integrated Aquatic Animal Health Management (Supporting) This research will examine the interrelationship between physical system design, the aquatic environment and occurrence of disease in intensively
cultured fish. These studies will be followed by investigation of the prevention and amelioration of disease outbreaks through the use of herd health management strategies such as vaccination and density manipulation. Sustainability and Environmental Compatibility of Aquaculture (Supporting) - Recirculating systems are known to conserve water and concentrate wastes into smaller and more treatable discharges. Effective source reduction and watershed protection strategies require that waste production and resource consumption should be minimized through culture system design and management practices. Information and Technology Transfer (Supporting) - Information is transferred through intensive one-on-one contact with aquaculture producers, presentations at industry conferences and industry and peer- reviewed publications. Freshwater Institute scientists and staff work extensively with new and established aquaculture businesses in Appalachia and the rest of the United States. This
research fully supports the mission of the ARS National Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture and is undertaken in close cooperation with research projects currently underway. 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment during FY 2003 year: Expansion of aquaculture is significantly constrained by the impacts of biological and physical exchanges and other undesirable interactions between open fish farm production systems and the external environment. Scientists at the Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute (Shepherdstown, WV) are designing and evaluating sustainable land-based finfish production systems that utilize intensification and water recycling technology consistent with biological, environmental and food security objectives. A commercially relevant scale recirculating fish farm system continuously produced a ton of marketable coldwater finfish per week, demonstrating a practical land-based alternative to
current aquacultural industry practices. Domestic and international commercial fish farm operations producing Atlantic salmon smolts, Arctic char, ornamental fish, tilapia, rainbow trout, walleye, yellow perch and hybrid striped bass have adopted production systems designs and altered management based on research results from this project. B. Other Significant Accomplishment(s), if any: Patterns of antibiotic resistance in the aquaculture recirculating system environment are poorly understood. Scientists at the Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute (Shepherdstown, WV) in collaborative studies with National Fish Health Research Laboratory, Leetown, WV completed investigations into the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria inhabiting the rainbow trout intestinal tract and sediment in a recirculating system. After a medicated feed treatment application was ended, a post-treatment oscillating pattern of resistance within the production system microbial populations was
observed and described. This finding will aid in understanding the patterns of microbial resistance resulting from the use of antibiotics for disease treatment as a means of minimizing environmental interactions with non-target biological populations. The large circular culture tanks commonly used by fish farmers for high density production of finfish can create large but relatively dilute effluents that make water quality restoration difficult and expensive. Scientists at the Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute (Shepherdstown, WV), are working to combine the function of high density rearing containment with the ability to separate settleable biosolids into a relatively small secondary bottom drain flow through a dual drain rearing tank design. Research results demonstrated that uniform water mixing and beneficial water velocity profiles can be achieved by using adjustable water injection nozzles ported through tank sidewalls and that the settleable biosolids can be
concentrated in a small water flow exiting the tank bottom with proper hydraulic design based on flow rate per unit tank area and the tank volume rotational period. These findings will help fish farmers improve culture tank water quality, increase the rate of particle removal from large 'Cornell-type' dual-drain circular culture tanks and reduce fish farm capital costs by combining the function of high density rearing containment with the ability to separate settleable biosolids into a relatively small bottom center drain flow. Recirculating aquaculture systems may require an internal disinfection process to control the amplification of pathogens and other microbial populations. Scientists at the Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute (Shepherdstown, WV), are working to evaluate the applicability of advanced oxidation processes incorporating UV irradiation and ozonation for controlling and mitigating microbial populations and certain water quality parameters within intensive fish
farming systems. Research results determined the UV irradiation dose required to inactivate total heterotrophic and total coliform bacterial populations and the irradiation dose required to destroy dissolved ozone using a side-stream of water flow from an operating high-density aquaculture recirculating system. The study results are significant in the finding that the UV irradiation dose apparently required for effective inactivation of certain bacterial populations in recirculating aquaculture system water may be nearly two orders of magnitude higher than conventional design recommendations for non-reuse applications and this finding may have importance for biosecurity and product quality planning. Problems with dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulation can occur in oxygenated recirculating systems that support high fish loading rates. Scientists at the Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute (Shepherdstown, WV) experimentally quantified the production of dissolved CO2 created by
biofiltration within an intensively stocked recirculating aquaculture system compared to the CO2 production that would be expected using stoichiometry due to nitrification and heterotrophic oxygen demand. Research results demonstrated the ability of equation models to accurately predict observed biofilter dissolved CO2 production and provided important design criteria for the optimal location of gas- exchange treatment columns in the water quality management loop. The study results showed that the biofilter contributed approximately 37% of the total CO2 produced within the recirculating salmonid production system, leading to an improved design approach for sizing and locating CO2 stripping units, resulting in better water quality control and improved fish growth efficiency within commercial recirculating aquaculture systems. Nutrients and soluble biological oxygen demand (BOD) leaching from mineralizing aquaculture biosolids directly contribute to receiving water quality
eutrophication and the largest single source of this problem can be associated with the supernatant flow exiting the biosolids thickening and manure storage tanks. In cooperation with scientists at the USDA ARS, National Center for Cool Coldwater Aquaculture, Leetown, WV, and scientists at the Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute conducted aerobic basin treatment studies to optimize removal of the concentrated nutrients and soluble BOD contained in the aquaculture manure thickening tank overflow. Results from replicated basin studies at 1, 3, and 6 day hydraulic retention times (HRT) demonstrate that aerobic treatment can remove approximately 90% of soluble BOD, 80% of dissolved organic carbon, and 75-80% of soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) from the thickening tank overflow but total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) removal was not as effective and was strongly influenced by HRT. Study results indicate that effluent oxygen demand from rapidly assimilable carbon can be addressed by
short-term aerobic basin treatment but receiving watersheds requiring total nitrogen or ammonia-nitrogen control will require more advanced treatment approaches. Phosphorus discharged by aquaculture systems, one of the nutrients of high regulatory concern due to its impact on receiving bodies of water, is primarily contained in the filterable or settleable biosolids fraction discharged from fish farms. Scientists at the Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute, Shepherdstown, WV conducted standard jar test studies to evaluate the effectiveness of several commonly used coagulation-flocculation aids at removing both suspended solids and phosphorus from the relatively concentrated microscreen drum filter backwash flow from an intensive recirculating aquaculture system. Dosages, mixing speed and time, and flocculation conditions for applying alum, ferric chloride, and high iron concentration acid mine drainage (AMD) sludge amendments were optimized to effect maximum removal of both
suspended solids and phosphorus from microscreen drum filter backwash flows. Application of coagulation-flocculation chemicals will improve capture of fine solids and total phosphorus in the overflow from aquaculture biosolids thickening and settling treatment systems. The environmental compatibility and sustainability of Atlantic salmon aquaculture is under question and attack globally. Scientists at the Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute (Shepherdstown, WV) in collaboration with Dr. Michael Timmons (Cornell University) have provided technology transfer and education resources for domestic and international salmon producers. Three-dozen U.S. and Canadian salmon producers on-site were joined by more than seventy Internet distance learners for a weeklong workshop course in recirculating systems engineering held in Nanaimo, BC, Canada. Newly developing land-based recirculating systems technology for the production of salmon smolts can provide higher biosecurity, improved
quality and better environmental compatibility over past industry practices and may lead to more controlled production systems for the production of food sized marine fish for the U.S. market in the future. C. Significant Accomplishments/Activities that Support Special Target Populations. Freshwater Institute scientists have provided technical support in the areas of aquaculture engineering, fish health and biosecurity, and Arctic char culture across the Appalachian region. This work supports economic development in a region where many counties are rated as economically distressed and unemployment rates are greater than 10%. Across the Appalachian regions of West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, there are many natural resources that appear to represent potential development opportunities. Current production figures indicate that the Mid-Atlantic Highlands region has not yet participated in the general expansion of the aquaculture industry in the U.S. D. Progress
Report This report serves to document research conducted under an assistance type cooperative agreement between ARS and The Conservation Fund (Agreement No. 59-1930-1-0130) under CRIS 1930-31000-004-01 titled Development of Intensive Aquaculture Systems. Using molecular techniques, Freshwater Institute and University of Connecticut scientists (Dr. Salvatore Frasca and Mr. Andrew Draghi) are working to identify a 'chlamydia-like/rickettsia-like' (CLO/RLO) bacterium that infects gill of Arctic char. Work has concentrated on amplification of the 16S rRNA gene from this emerging pathogen. Results consistently show high nucleotide similarity to members of the order Chlamydiales. More complete identification and gene sequencing will allow development of a PCR test to complete the investigations that will lead to development of strategies for prevention, control and treatment of this respiratory disease. A sequential stocking and selective harvest strategy was used to sustain high biomass
productivity under maximum design production densities of 100-130 kg/m3 in both the partial-reuse fingerling system and the fully recirculating growout system. Technologies for fish transfer, size sorting, and inventory tracking were evaluated to improve the efficiency of continuous production within large and deep 150 m3circular culture tanks. During January to August 2003, over 30 metric tons of food-size Arctic char approximately 1.3-1.5 kg mean size were produced from the recirculating aquaculture system, meeting the research objective of demonstrating a sustained continuous production rate of one metric ton of marketable fish per week. Excess research fish were donated through the America's Second Harvest program partner, the Virginia Food Banks Consortium and to local Union Rescue Missions in Martinsburg, WV, Hagerstown, MD and Winchester, VA. Research was completed to determine the ultra violet (UV) irradiation dosages required to destroy dissolved ozone and to inactivate
total heterotrophic bacteria in a commercial-scale recirculating salmonid culture system. The dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) production within a biofilter was quantified and found to contribute 37% of the total CO2 produced within this recirculating salmonid system, which is significant when considering where to locate the CO2 stripping column. Research showed that uniform water mixing and beneficial water velocity profiles could be achieved in both 3.7 m and 9.1 m diameter 'Cornell- type' dual-drain culture tanks stocked at fish densities of 90-98 kg/m3. Research showed that the rate that settleable solids flush from 4-10 m diameter circular 'Cornell-type' dual-drain culture tanks depends on the water flow exiting the bottom-center drain exceeding 5-6 L/min for every 1 m2 of tank plan area and on the rotational period of the water within the tank falling within a 1.3-1.7 minutes range. Techniques were also developed to remove nutrients, TSS, and soluble BOD from concentrated
aquaculture discharges using either a chemical coagulation-flocculation aid followed by settling or an aerobic treatment process. The cause of chronic diarrhea in Arctic char was investigated. Results from histology and clinical pathology indicate that the diarrhea results from chronic antigenic stimulation and that an infectious agent is not involved. The result of an experiment investigating the contribution of feed was inconclusive. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. Since 1987 the Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute has worked in partnership with ARS to develop technologies allowing cold water fish production in intensive water reuse systems. The controlling forces driving this line of research are found in the desire to minimize the interaction between cultured fish and the production system and the environment, creating farm systems that are more environmentally compatible and sustainable.
Research and development at a small-scale is insufficient to solve the most pressing problems of technology and production management facing the current and future aquaculture industry. The research approach in this project will utilize a near commercial scale research production technology to investigate issues that are limiting the development of economically efficient large-scale production systems. 6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years? During FY2004, rainbow trout will replace the arctic char and the increased growth rates are expected to provide heavier feed loads in the recirculating systems. Advanced oxidation approaches for improvement of water quality and control of microbial populations will be examined. A coagulating polymer (such as polyacrylamide or dissolved chitosan) will be added to the flow entering a fluidized sand biofilter to examine the potential for creating a unit process that reduces TSS while simultaneously treats
dissolved wastes in a novel type of upflow 'sludge blanket clarifier'. A pilot-scale membrane ultrafiltration unit will be evaluated to aerobically stabilize and thicken manure concentrated in the production system backwash flow, with particular focus on the ability of the membrane filter to produce a discharge containing relatively low levels of bacteria, soluble BOD, nutrients, and TSS. A belt filter and sludge conditioning system (model HBF537-1H 316 SS Belt Filter, Hydrotech, Villenge, Sweden) will be evaluated to rapidly thicken solids contained in the microscreen drum filter backwash. A simple and relatively inexpensive bag filter will be evaluated as an alternative option for dewatering manure contained in the microscreen filter backwash flow. Gene sequencing and ultrastructure studies will be carried out to characterize and identify the chlamydial-like/rickettsia-like organism (CLO/RLO) infecting Arctic char gills. A PCR test for the organism will be developed. The
microbial populations contributing to the patterns of oscillation post-medicated feed will be identified. Specific fish excretory compounds that negatively impact fish health in recirculating systems will be identified. During FY2005, dynamic self-adjusting control systems to control and maintain environmental conditions in fish rearing tanks will be optimized. Fish harvest and sizing technologies will be assessed. Aquaculture effluent treatment will be evaluated using new technologies. Application of biosolids amendments such as iron and lime that sequester nutrients will be examined. Using the PCR test developed in FY 2004, reservoirs of the organism will be investigated. Effects of the excretory compounds identified in FY 2004 will be evaluated. During FY2006, co-composting of aquaculture biosolids and poultry litter will be studied. In-tank size sorting equipment will be developed and assessed. Techniques to mitigate the effects of the excretory compounds studied in the
previous two years will be developed. 7. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Scientists at the Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute (Shepherdstown, WV) are transferring information directly to fish farmers through personal contact technical assistance, group tours and visits to the research facility, publication and presentations at industry meetings and focused workshops. Specific information on biosecurity, biofiltration, disinfection, tank design, product quality, fish health, effluent waste treatment, water resource characterization, dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide management have been provided to industry stakeholders and academic colleagues. 8. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to
organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: This does not replace your peer-reviewed publications listed below). Bebak-Williams, J. Animal Density, Pathogen Load Related Factors in Disease Outbreaks. Global Aquaculture Advocate. 2002 August. p. 14-15. Bebak-Williams, J. Aquatic Animal Health Update: WV Research. US Trout Farmers Association 48th Annual Meeting. Circus-Circus, Reno, NV. 2002. September 23-25. Bebak-Williams, J. Biosecurity for recirculating systems. PennAqua. State College, PA. 2002 October 24-26. Bebak-Williams, J. Fish health management and biosecurity concepts for recirculation aquaculture systems. Presented at the 9th Annual Cornell- Freshwater Institute Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Short Course. Nanaimo, British Columbia. 2003 July 14-18. Bebak-Williams, J. Fish Health Management in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems. PA Fish and Boat Commission Trout Summit. Harrisburg, PA. 2002 September 27. Dodd, Q. Abandoned coal mines provide liquid
assets for fish farmers: recirculated water ideal for raising Arctic char. Hatchery International. 2002 March/April p. 40-41. Ebeling J.M. Process control, monitoring options. Global Aquaculture Advocate. 2003. v. 6(3). p. 44-45. Frost, P. Freshwater Institute: encouraging Appalachia's new-wave agriculture. Marketwise. Community Affairs Office Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. 2002:3 p. 1-11. Hankins, J.A. Aquaculture Development: Issues of concern from the environmental NGO community. ARS/CSREES National Aquaculture Program Planning Workshop. St. Louis, MI. 2002 November 20-21. Hankins, J.A. Aquaculture program and activities review. West Virginia AquaVision2002 Workshop. Shepherdstown, WV. 2002 October 11. Hankins, J.A. Intensive aquaculture systems development and technology transfer resulting from USDA/ARS supported research. PennAqua2002: Challenges and Opportunities for Aquaculture Development in Pennsylvania. State College, PA. 2002 October 24-26 Noble, A., Marcos, G.
Enfermedades no infecciosas en sistemas de recirculacion (I Parte). Aqua Noticias. 2002 v. 14. p. 65-67. Noble, A., Marcos, G. Enfermedades no infecciosas en sistemas de recirculacion (II Parte). Aqua Noticias. 2002 v. 14. p. 81-83. Summerfelt, S.T., Vinci, B.J. Dissolved gas conditioning for mine water utilization. Global Aquaculture Advocate. 2003. v. 6(3). p. 38-39. Summerfelt, S.T. 2003. Water quality and treatment efficiency in recirculating systems; Culture tank design; Biofiltration for ammonia control; Fluidized-sand biofilters; Coldwater biofilter design overview; Ozonation and UV disinfection; Trout and char growout system designs. Presented at the 9th Annual Cornell-Freshwater Institute Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Short Course. Nanaimo, British Columbia. 2003 July 14- 18. Vinci, B. J. 2003. Engineering design concepts; Solids capture; Gas transfer and dissolved gas conditioning; CO2 stripping design example; Source water development; Waste management. Presented at the
9th Annual Cornell-Freshwater Institute Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Short Course. Nanaimo, British Columbia. 2003 July 14-18. Scientific Publications Submitted by Cooperator: Barbash, P., Fletcher, J.,Carta, A., Millard, M., Summerfelt, S.T., Bebak-Williams, J., Creaser. D. Reductions in micro-organisms by filtration and ozonation of a creek water supply at the Northeast Fishery Center. Fisheries Bioengineering Symposium IV Baltimore, Maryland. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland. 2002 August 18-22. p. 9. Bebak-Williams, J. Integrated Aquatic Animal Health Update: FI Research. Aquaculture America 2003. Louisville, KY. 2003 February 18-21. p. 21. Bebak-Williams, J., Bullock, G.L. Vaccination against furunculosis in Arctic char: Efficacy of a commercial vaccine. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health. 2002. v. 14. p. 294-297. Bebak-Williams, J., McAllister, P.E., Smith, G., Boston, R. The effect of fish density and number of infectious fish on the survival of rainbow trout
fry during epidemics of infectious pancreatic necrosis. Journal of Fish Diseases. 2002. v. 25. p. 715-726. Brazil, B.L., Ebeling, J. M., Summerfelt, S.T. Treatment of solids thickening basin effluent using aerobic reactors. Book of Abstracts: Aquaculture America 2003 Louisville, Kentucky. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. 2003 February 18-21. p. 32. Brazil, B.L., Vinci, B.J., Summerfelt, S.T. Fish culture system design for the future. Propagated Fish in Resource Management, Boise, ID. The American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD. 2003 June 16 ' 18. Bullock, G.L., Schill, W.B. Establishment of Aeromonas salmonicida and Yersinia ruckeri in fluidized sand biofilters of a recycle culture system and subsequent transmission of these pathogens to newly stocked salmonids. Proceedings of the 28th Annual Eastern Fish Health Workshop. Eisenhower Inn and Conference Center, Gettysburg, PA. 2003. April 21-25. Abstract p. 3. Danley, M., Kenney, P.B., Mazik, P., Kiser, R., Hankins, J.A.
Harvest of Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus with carbon dioxide: effects on muscle pH and rigor index. Book of Abstracts: Aquaculture America 2003 Louisville, Kentucky. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. 2003 February 18-21. p. 69. Danley, M.L., Mazik, P.M., Hankins, J.A. Safe levels of carbon dioxide for Appalachian salmonid culture. Book of Abstracts: Aquaculture America 2003 Louisville, Kentucky. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. 2003 February 18-21. p. 70. Ebeling, J. M., Sibrell, P.L., Ogden, S., Summerfelt S.T. Evaluation of chemical coagulation-flocculation aids for the removal of phosphorus from recirculating aquaculture effluents. Book of Abstracts: Aquaculture America 2003 Louisville, Kentucky. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. 2003 February 18-21. p. 83. Ebeling, J. M.. Process control and monitoring options. Book of Abstracts: Aquaculture America 2003 Louisville, Kentucky. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. 2003 February 18-21. p. 84.
Hankins, J. A. 2003. Non-traditional water resources and sustainable aquaculture development in Appalachia. Book of Abstracts: Aquaculture America 2003 Louisville, Kentucky. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. 2003 February 18-21. p. 69. Jittinandana, S., Kenney, P.B., Slider, S.D., Mazik, P., Bebak-Williams, J., Hankins, J.A. Effect of fish attributes and handling stress on quality of smoked Arctic char fillets. Journal of Food Science. 2003. v. 68. p. 57-63. Nelson, C.D., Mazik, P.M., Danley, M.L., Hankins, J.A. Effects of nitrite and carbon disoxide in rainbow trout Onchorhynchus mykiss: survivial and physiological responses. Book of Abstracts: Aquaculture America 2003 Louisville, Kentucky. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. 2003 February 18-21. p. 203. Noble, A.C., Garner, M.M., Nordhausen, R.W. Histological lesions associated with chronic diarrhea in Arctic char. Proceedings of the 28th Annual Eastern Fish Health Workshop. Eisenhower Inn and Conference Center
Gettysburg, PA. 2003. April 21-25. Abstract p. 54. Savage, T.M., Rimmer, M., Summerfelt, S.T. Farming arctic char in recirculating systems using a mine water supply at West Virginia Aqua LLC. Book of Abstracts: Aquaculture America 2003 Louisville, Kentucky. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. 2003 February 18-21. p. 255. Summerfelt, S. T. Ozonation and UV irradiation ' An introduction and examples of current applications. Aquacultural Engineering. 2003. v. 28. p. 21-36 Summerfelt, S.T., Davidson, J., Waldrop, T., Sharrer, M. A portable and relatively low cost airlift fish pump and fish sorting box for harvesting large circular tanks. Book of Abstracts: Aquaculture America 2003 Louisville, Kentucky. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. 2003 February 18-21. p. 282. Summerfelt, S.T., Davidson, J., Waldrop, T., Vinci, B.J. Evaluation of full-scale carbon dioxide stripping columns in a coldwater recirculating system. Aquacultural Engineering. 2003. v. 28. p. 155-169.
Summerfelt, S.T., Fletcher, J. Carta, M. Creaser, D. Description of surface water filtration and ozone treatment system in operation at the Northeast Fishery Center. Fisheries Bioengineering Symposium IV (Baltimore, Maryland). American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland. 2002 August 18-22. p. 8. Summerfelt, S.T., Timmons, M. Partial-reuse systems as an alternate to traditional raceway systems for trout culture. Book of Abstracts: Aquaculture America 2003 Louisville, Kentucky. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. 2003 February 18-21. p. 284. Summerfelt, S.T., Vinci, B.J. 2003. Dissolved gas conditioning for mine water utilization. Book of Abstracts: Aquaculture America 2003 Louisville, Kentucky. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. 2003 February 18- 21. p. 283. Summerfelt, S.T., Wilton, G., Roberts, D., Savage, T., Fonkalsrud, K. Developments in recirculating systems for arctic char culture in North America. Aquaculture Canada 2002 Abstract Book. Charlottetown, Prince
Edward Island, Canada. Aquaculture Association of Canada, St. Andrews, New Brunswick. 2002 September 17-20. p. 42. Timmons, M.B., Ebeling, J.M., Wheaton, F.W., Summerfelt, S.T., Vinci, B. J. Sistemas de Recirculation para la Acuicultura. Hevia, M.W., Parada, G. R., editors. Fundacion Chile. 2002. 741 p. Vinci, B.J., Summerfelt, S.T., Creaser, D. 2003. Carbon dioxide control. Book of Abstracts: Aquaculture America 2003 Louisville, Kentucky. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. 2003 February 18-21. p. 306. Vinci, B.J., Summerfelt, S.T., Creaser, D. State of the art influent water treatment technologies for fisheries facilities. Presented at the 59th Annual Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference Newport, Rhode Island 2003 April 13-16. Vinci, B.J., Summerfelt, S.T., Creaser, D., Gillete, K. Partial water reuse system design for fisheries facilities. Presented at the 59th Annual Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference Newport, Rhode Island 2003 April 13-16. Watten, B., Brazil,
B., Summerfelt, S.T., Rodrequez, F., Sharrer, M. Monitoring dissolved gas concentrations based on head-space partial pressures. Book of Abstracts: Aquaculture America 2003 Louisville, Kentucky. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. 2003 February 18-21. p. 314.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Bebak-Williams, J., Bullock, G., Carson, M.C. Oxytetracycline residues in a freshwater recirculating system. Aquaculture. 2002. v. 205. p. 221-230.
- Carson, M.C., Bullock, G., Bebak-Williams, J. Determination of oxytetracycline residues in matrixes from a freshwater reciculating aquaculture system. Journal of the American Organization of Analytical Chemists International. 2002. v. 85. p. 341-348.
- Carson, M.C., Bullock, G., Bebak-Williams, J. Determination of oxytetracycline residues in matrixes from a freshwater reciculating aquaculture system. Journal of the American Organization of Analytical Chemists International. 2002. v. 85. p. 341-348.
- Carson, M.C., Bullock, G., Bebak-Williams, J. Determination of oxytetracycline residues in matrixes from a freshwater reciculating aquaculture system. Journal of the American Organization of Analytical Chemists International. 2002. v. 85. p. 341-348.
- Chen, S., Summerfelt, S. T., Losordo, T., Malone, R. Recirculating systems, effluents, and treatments. Tomasso J. R., editor. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. Aquaculture and the Environment in the United States. 2002. p. 119-140
- Davidson, J., Waldrop, T., Summerfelt, S. T. Growth performance comparison of a Tree Rivers/Yukon Gold hybrid Arctic char and Yukon Gold Arctic char salvelinus alpinus at 12-14DGC. World Aquaculture Society. 2002. Abstract p. 83.
- Ebeling, J. M., Sibrell, P. L., Summerfelt, S. T., Schwartz, M. F. Evaluation of chemical coagulation-flocculation aids and acid mine drainage residual for the sequestering of phosphorus from intensive recirculating aquaculture effluent discharge. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 481-490.
- Ebeling, J. M., Summerfelt, S. T. Performance evaluation of a full-scale intensive recirculating aquaculture system's waste discharge treatment system. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 506-515.
- Summerfelt, S. T., Davidson, J., Waldrop, T., Vinci, B. J. Evaluation of full-scale carbon dioxide stripping columns in a coldwater recirculating system. Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 375-381.
- Summerfelt, S.T., Wilton, G., Roberts, D., Savage, T. Developments in recirculating systems for Arctic char culture in North America. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 354-374.
- Timmons, M. B., Ebeling, J. M., Wheaton, F. W., Summerfelt, S. T., Vinci, B. J. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, 2nd Edition. Cayuga Aquaculture Ventures, LLC. Ithaca, NY. 2002. 769 p.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it? Limited water resources and an increased emphasis on effluent pollution reduction have created a more difficult regulatory, economic, and social environment for aquaculture production facilities. This project will improve the production efficiency of cool and cold-water aquaculture species through research into three fundamental areas of intensive production and system development. Research will address problems of physical scale, design and economic viability; challenges of sustainability and environmental compatibility; and development of technologies and management practices that improve stock health and enhance production efficiency. 2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Certain production practices and key production inputs, as utilized currently, are no longer assuring future profitability or sustainability for the aquaculture industry. A maturing aquaculture sector
now requires more cost-effective, reliable, bio-secure, and environmentally compatible production systems and management practices. 3. How does it relate to the national Program(s) and National Program Component(s) to which it has been assigned? National Program #106 Aquaculture 100% This research addresses several of the National Program Components for Aquaculture: Integrated Aquatic Animal Health Management. This research will examine the interrelationship between physical system design, the aquatic environment and occurrence of disease in intensively cultured fish. These studies will be followed by investigation of the prevention and amelioration of disease outbreaks through the use of herd health management strategies such as vaccination and density manipulation. Aquaculture Production Systems - This program component is addressed through continued research on the reduction of water use and effluents through the use of recirculating technology for aquaculture. Sustainability
and Environmental Compatibility of Aquaculture - Recirculating systems are known to conserve water and concentrate wastes into smaller and more treatable discharges. Effective source reduction strategies require that waste production should also be minimized through culture system design and management. Information and Technology Transfer - Information is transferred through intensive one-on-one contact with aquaculture producers, presentations at industry conferences and industry and peer-reviewed publications. Freshwater Institute scientists and staff work extensively with new and established aquaculture businesses in Appalachia and the rest of the United States. This research fully supports the mission of the ARS National Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture and is undertaken in close cooperation with research projects currently underway. 4. What was your most significant accomplishment this past year? A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment during FY 2002: Expansion of
aquaculture is significantly constrained by the interaction of production systems with the external environment through biological and nutrient exchanges. Cool and cold-water finfish production systems that utilize intensification and water recycling consistent with sustainability objectives have been designed and evaluated at the Freshwater Institute, Shepherdstown, WV. Production system technologies have been developed that minimize environmental interactions and biological exchanges through water recirculation, improved environmental control and biosecurity management. A broad range of commercial fish farm operations producing Atlantic salmon smolts, Arctic char, ornamental fish, tilapia, rainbow trout, walleye, yellow perch and hybrid striped bass have adopted production systems designs and altered management based on research results from this project. B. Other Significant Accomplishment(s) if any: Development of management strategies for intensive systems includes
identifying and resolving problems that affect productivity through an impact on fish health. A collaboration between Freshwater Institute scientists and Dr. Salvatore Frasca (University of Connecticut) was established to investigate the cause of a respiratory disease associated with a bacterium that infects Arctic char gill cells. Directed investigation characterizing this emerging pathogen has determined that this Gram (-) intracellular bacterium has molecular and ultrastructure characteristics consistent with chlamydial and rickettsial species. More complete identification and gene sequencing will allow development of a PCR test to complete the investigations that will lead to development of strategies for prevention, control and treatment of this respiratory disease. Large tank-based production systems could reduce production costs if inexpensive, efficient and portable fish handling equipment was available to reduce the labor requirement for grading and harvesting large
circular culture tanks. To reduce the cost of handling and grading fish, and to minimize the stress on fish during harvest, the Freshwater Institute staff developed a portable and relatively low cost airlift fish pump and grader box to remove fish from large circular tanks and then sort the fish according to size and condition. A lightweight, compact, and inexpensive air-lift driven fish pump, dewatering box and fish sorting table was developed to assist fish harvest from intensively stocked circular rearing tanks. The portable fish pumping and sorting equipment will reduce the labor requirement for grading and harvesting large circular culture tanks and may improve final product quality by reducing handling stress. A simple, fast, and reliable method to remove fish mortalities from large circular culture tanks is required to decrease labor costs, reduce the spread of fish disease, and to maintain culture tank hydraulics. A pneumatically driven mortality flushing system has been
refined, thoroughly tested, and demonstrated to consistently allow dead fish to be rapidly flushed and removed from an aquaculture tank bottom at a cost of only 1-2 minutes of labor per flush. A pneumatically driven fish mortality flushing system was developed that can be inserted into the center drain of large circular culture tanks to rapidly remove moribund fish and restore rearing tank hygiene and hydraulics. Application of the pneumatically driven mortality flushing system in large circular culture tanks will reduce the labor cost and improve the efficiency of fish mortality collection. Carbon dioxide problems can occur in oxygenated recirculating systems that support higher fish loading rates because the oxygen dissolution processes that are used provide insufficient gas exchange to strip the quantities of carbon dioxide produced. Dissolved carbon dioxide stripping efficiency was evaluated across two types of 1-m tall structured plastic packing (tubular NORPAC and structured
block CF-3000 Accu-Pac media) that were placed separately in two full-scale forced- ventilation cascade columns located within a coldwater recirculating aquaculture system at the Freshwater Institute. Practical design and performance criteria were developed for carbon dioxide stripping columns for application in commercial scale aquaculture recirculation systems. The improved understanding of carbon dioxide stripping column design will lead to better water quality control and improved fish growth efficiency within commercial recirculating aquaculture systems. Phosphorus discharged by aquaculture systems, one of the nutrients of high regulatory concern due to its impact on receiving bodies of water, is primarily contained in the filterable or settleable solids fraction discharged from fish farms. Standard jar test studies were conducted by the Freshwater Institute, Shepherdstown, WV, to evaluate the effectiveness of several commonly used coagulation-flocculation aids at removing both
suspended solids and phosphorus from the solids thickening tank overflow at the Freshwater Institute. Dosages, mixing speed and time, and flocculation conditions for applying alum, ferric chloride, and high iron concentration acid mine drainage (AMD) sludge amendments were optimized to effect maximum removal of both suspended solids and phosphorus from fish manure thickening tank overflows. Application of the coagulation-flocculation chemicals will improve capture of fine solids and total phosphorus in the overflow from aquaculture biosolids thickening and settling treatment systems. C. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations: Freshwater Institute scientists have provided technical support in the areas of aquaculture engineering, fish health and biosecurity, and Arctic char culture across the Appalachian region. This work supports economic development in a region where many counties are rated as economically distressed and unemployment rates are greater than
10%. Across the Appalachian regions of West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, there are many natural resources that appear to represent potential development opportunities. Current production figures indicate that the Mid-Atlantic Highlands region has not yet participated in the general expansion of the aquaculture industry in the U.S. D. Progress Report: This report serves to document research conducted under a special cooperative agreement between ARS and The Conservation Fund titled Development of Intensive Aquaculture Systems (Agreement No. 59-1930-1- 0130). The research is conducted by the Freshwater Institute of the Conservation Fund. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 1930-31000-004-00D, entitled Development of Intensive Aquaculture Systems. All production systems were fully loaded with fish and harvest of food- size Arctic char (1.3 kg) was begun. A non-invasive commercial biomass scanner was evaluated as a tool for
tracking the size distribution of fish within a continuously stocked circular culture tank system. The biomass scanner was capable of assessing fish size without disturbing the fish, and allowed the accurate calculation of cohort growth and total biomass within the large culture tank. TAN, nitrite-nitrogen, TSS, DOC, and TOC production rates as a function of feed fed and of waste treatment efficiencies within the fully recirculating system were determined. A comprehensive evaluation to characterize the mass and concentration of wastes discharged from the Freshwater Institute's recirculating system overflow and from the microscreen filter backwash after solids thickening was completed. Collaborative studies with Dr. Bane Schill (National Fish Health Research Laboratory, Leetown, WV) to investigate development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria inhabiting the rainbow trout intestinal tract and sediment in a recirculating system were completed. A study to describe prevalence of
F. branchiophilum (the bacterium associated with bacterial gill disease) at rainbow trout farms representing two-thirds of national production was completed. 5. Describe your major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact? Since 1987 the Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute has worked in partnership with ARS to develop technologies allowing cold-water fish production in intensive water reuse systems. The controlling forces driving this line of research are found in the desire to minimize the interaction between cultured fish and the production system and the environment, creating farm systems that are more environmentally compatible and sustainable. Research and development at a small-scale is insufficient to solve the most pressing problems of technology and production management facing the current and future aquaculture industry. The research approach in this project will utilize a near commercial scale research production
technology to investigate issues that are limiting the development of economically efficient large-scale production systems. 6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years? During FY2003, advanced oxidation approaches for improvement of water quality and control of microbial populations will be examined and fish pumping and sizing equipment will be evaluated. Waste (i.e., TAN, nitrite, TSS, DOC, and TOC) production rates will be quantified as a function of feed fed within the fully recirculating system. The mass and concentration of aquaculture wastes captured or discharged from a coldwater recirculating facility will be assessed and aerobic treatment of dissolved waste found in concentrated aquaculture effluents will be optimized. A standardized laboratory challenge will be developed for bacterial gill disease and gene sequencing and ultrastructure studies will be carried out to characterize and identify the chlamydial- like/rickettsia-like organism
(CLO/RLO) infecting Arctic char gills. Specific fish excretory compounds that negatively impact fish health in recirculating systems will be identified. During FY2004, dynamic self-adjusting control systems to control and maintain environmental conditions in fish rearing tanks will be optimized. Fish harvest and sizing technologies will be assessed. Aquaculture effluent treatment will be evaluated using slow sand filters, mechanical filtration, and sedimentation with chemical flocculation. Application of biosolids amendments such as iron and lime that sequester nutrients will be examined. Management recommendations to control bacterial gill disease on volunteer farms will be implemented. Development of a polymerase chain reaction test for the CLO/RLO will continue. Effects of the excretory compounds identified in FY 2003 will be evaluated. During FY2005, co-composting of aquaculture biosolids and poultry litter will be studied. In-tank size sorting equipment will be developed and
assessed. Development of the PCR test for the CLO/RLO infecting Arctic char gills will be completed. Techniques to mitigate the effects of the excretory compounds studied in the previous two years will be developed. 7. What technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the technology likely to become available to the end user (industry, farmer other scientist)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption durability of the technology? Scientists are transferring information directly to fish farmers through direct technical assistance, publication and presentations at industry meetings and workshops. Specific information on biosecurity, biofiltration, disinfection, tank design, product quality, fish health, effluent waste treatment, water resource characterization, dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide management have been provided to industry stakeholders and academic colleagues. 8. List your most important publications and presentations, and articles written about
your work (NOTE: this does not replace your review publications which are listed below) Bebak-Williams, J. Biosecurity in Intensive Aquaculture: Don't Build Without It. Global Aquaculture Advocate. 2002, June, p. 80-81. Bullock, G. L., Schwartz, M. F. Impact of treatment regimens and bacterial pathogens on biofilters in recirculation culture systems. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 95-100. Summerfelt, S. T. Understanding and treating carbon dioxide problems. Aquaculture Magazine. 2002. v. 28. no. 4. p. 30-33. Summerfelt, S.T., Vinci, B. J. Best waste management practices for coldwater recirculating systems. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 375-381. Summerfelt, S.T., Vinci, B. J. Best Waste Management Practices for Recirculating Aquaculture Systems. University of Bonn's Recirculating Aquaculture Workshop. 2002. Summerfelt, S. T. 2001. Ozonation and UV irradiation ? An
introduction and examples of current applications. Proceedings of the Aquacultural Engineering Society's 2001 Issues Forum. 2001. p. 175-194. Summerfelt, S. T., Watten, B. J., Timmons, M. B. Editors. Proceedings of the Aquacultural Engineering Society's 2001 Issues Forum. 2001. Summerfelt, S.T. Fluidized-sand biofilter design, culture tank design, water quality and treatment efficiency in recirculating systems, solids control, and ozonation and UV filtration. 8th Annual Cornell-Freshwater Institute Aquaculture Water Reuse Systems Short Course. 2002. Summerfelt, S. T. Char production systems at the Freshwater Institute. Aquacultural Engineering Society Workshop. 2002.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Timmons, M. B., Ebeling, J. M., Wheaton, F. W., Summerfelt, S. T., Vinci, B. J. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, 2nd Edition. Cayuga Aquaculture Ventures, LLC. Ithaca, NY. 2002. 769 p.
- Bebak-Williams, J., Bullock, G., Carson, M.C. Oxytetracycline residues in a freshwater recirculating system. Aquaculture. 2002. v. 205. p. 221-230.
- Carson, M.C., Bullock, G., Bebak-Williams, J. Determination of oxytetracycline residues in matrixes from a freshwater reciculating aquaculture system. Journal of the American Organization of Analytical Chemists International. 2002. v. 85. p. 341-348.
- Chen, S., Summerfelt, S. T., Losordo, T., Malone, R. Recirculating systems, effluents, and treatments. Tomasso J. R., editor. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA. Aquaculture and the Environment in the United States. 2002. p. 119-140
- Davidson, J., Waldrop, T., Summerfelt, S. T. Growth performance comparison of a Tree Rivers/Yukon Gold hybrid Arctic char and Yukon Gold Arctic char salvelinus alpinus at 12-14DGC. World Aquaculture Society. 2002. Abstract p. 83.
- Ebeling, J. M., Sibrell, P. L., Summerfelt, S. T., Schwartz, M. F. Evaluation of chemical coagulation-flocculation aids and acid mine drainage residual for the sequestering of phosphorus from intensive recirculating aquaculture effluent discharge. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 481-490.
- Ebeling, J. M., Summerfelt, S. T. Performance evaluation of a full-scale intensive recirculating aquaculture system's waste discharge treatment system. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 506-515.
- Summerfelt, S. T., Davidson, J., Waldrop, T., Vinci, B. J. Evaluation of full-scale carbon dioxide stripping columns in a coldwater recirculating system. Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 375-381.
- Summerfelt, S.T., Wilton, G., Roberts, D., Savage, T. Developments in recirculating systems for Arctic char culture in North America. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture. 2002. p. 354-374.
- Carson, M.C., Bullock, G., Bebak-Williams, J. Determination of oxytetracycline residues in matrixes from a freshwater reciculating aquaculture system. Journal of the American Organization of Analytical Chemists International. 2002. v. 85. p. 341-348.
- Carson, M.C., Bullock, G., Bebak-Williams, J. Determination of oxytetracycline residues in matrixes from a freshwater reciculating aquaculture system. Journal of the American Organization of Analytical Chemists International. 2002. v. 85. p. 341-348.
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