INTEGRATING BIOFLOC TECHNOLOGY WITH AQUAPONICS TO IMPROVE SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: OTHER GRANTS
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1018142
• Grant No.: 2019-38821-29047
• Cumulative Award Amt.: $478,071.00
• Proposal No.: 2018-04911
• Project Start Date: Feb 15, 2019
• Project End Date: Feb 14, 2024
• Grant Year: 2019
• Program Code: [EQ]- Research Project

Recipient Organization
UNIV OF ARKANSAS
(N/A)
PINE BLUFF,AR 71601

Performing Department
Aquaculture/Fisheries

Non Technical Summary
Aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector in the world, but for this industry to continue growing, sustainable pactices and improving productivity are paramount. This can be accomplished, in part, by integrating two minimal exchange systems, which will be biofloc technology (BFT) and aquaponics. While these systems are traditionally separate, there is the potential to symbiotically integrate these that will more effectively recycle nutrients, create better quality products, allow for year-round production and increase supplemental income to farmers. A major drawback to BFT is excessive accumulation of bioflocs that may negatively affect water quality and the health of the animal. Meanwhile, a major drawback to aquaponics is inadequate availability of micro-nutrients leading to lower production. These issues can be cost-effectively solved by removing excess bioflocs to be mineralized, and thus improve micro-nutrient solubility, which is then added to aquaponic systems to improve productivity and sustainability. Catfish and shrimp will be the focus at UAPB and KSU. The research plan involves first determining the optimal carbon source to create the most suitable bioflocs for mineralization followed by the optimal amount of excess bioflocs to remove without negatively affecting water quality or animal productivity. The next step will be to determine the optimal duration for biofloc mineralization before comparing the efficacy of mineralized biofloc or animal waste to aquaponic productivity. Establishing these systems and research direction would increase the capacity of UAPB to recruit and train new students, strenghthen collaborative research among 1890 institutions, and provide research-based solutions to the aquaculture industry.

Animal Health Component

50%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

40%

Applied

50%

Developmental

10%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
307	3710	2020	50%
307	3721	2020	50%

Knowledge Area
307 - Animal Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
3721 - Marine shrimp; 3710 - Catfish;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering;

Keywords

aquaculture

aquaponics

biofloc technology

research

sustainability

Goals / Objectives
We will condcut a series of scientific investigations in outdoor faciliteis to provide basline information to integrate a biofloc-based system with aquaponics. The objectives will be pursued sequentially with an overall objective to produce high quality catfish (at UAPB) and shrimp (KSU) in solids managed biofloc-based systems while simultaneously providing readily available hiqh quality fertilizer to aquaponic plants to boost productivity, sustainability and additional income to farmers.The major goals of this project are as follows,1.Determine the proximate and mineral composition of bioflocs when using different carbon sources and subsequent effect on the productivity and quality of catfish juveniles and shrimp.2.Based on the best carbon source from objective 1, to determine the optimal amount of biofloc that can be removed without deteriorating the water quality or productivity of catfish and shrimp as well as to determine the mineral composition of bioflocs over time.3.To compare and quantify the mineral composition, bacterial composition and nitrogen content from biofloc and fish waste before mineralization and after mineralization.4.Examine different combinations of mineralized biofloc and fish waste on the nutrient dynamics and productivity of plants in an aquaponic-system housing catfish or shrimp.

Project Methods
Catfish will be produced on site (UAPB) while shrimp will be purchased from Florida and brought to site (KSU). For both species, a similar methodology will be used in each experiment.Experiment 1: There will be a total of 7 biofloc treatments consist of different added carbon sources that include glucose, sucrose, glycerol, rice bran, pre-gelatinized rice bran, corn flour or pre-gelatinized rice bran and added at a carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio of 15/1. Prior to adding animals, an inoculation biofloc tank will be prepared to kickstart the biofloc production. After 3 days, the animals will be added and fed daily at 5% body weight.Every day, the water will be measured for temperature, pH, total dissolved solids, and dissolved oxygen using a multi-parameter probe. Twice each week the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate will be measured. Every week, the biofloc volume, wet weight and dry weights will be determined. The bioflocs will be dried at 55°C in an oven until constant weight. The dried biofloc will be stored and later analyzed for the mineral composition at each week using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. After 6 weeks, the animal size and weights will be measured. From sub-samples of the population, the viscerosomatic index and hepatosomatic index will be measured, and livers used for histology (observe for signs of stress and glycogen distribution/abundance). From another set of fish, the proximate, fatty acid and mineral composition will be measured.From the other half of remaining fish, they will be cultured in their respective culture conditions for another week to allow the fish to recover from stress associated with handling. Next, they will be subjected to a sudden salinity resistance test and the amount of mortalities will be evaluated over 48 hours. This is a standard method to assess their overall robustness.Experiment 2: Using the best carbon source from experiment 1, which will be based on the nutritional value, biofloc productivity, and animal performance. There will be a total of 5 treatments, consist of increasing amounts of removed bioflocs daily. The amount of suspended solids in biofloc tanks can vary, but it is anticipated that the bioflocs will be above 5 grams/L, based on our previous research on catfish andshrimp.Bioflocs will be removed via side-stream settling chambers according research at KSU. The bioflocs will be harvested via a plankton mesh, with a mesh size of 60 μm and after allowing excess water to drain, the amount of bioflocs will be weighed on a digital scale. After the appropriate amount of bioflocs are weighed, the carbon will be added. Husbandy and water quality as well as final sampling/analysis will be the same as exp. 1.Experiment 3: Separate biofloc system and RAS systems will be set up to compare and characterize the mineral composition and nitrogen content from biofloc and fish waste before and after mineralization. The biofloc system will receive the same carbon source as in exp. 2. Accumulated bioflocs and fish/shrimp waste in each system will be removed at 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks. The total amount of bioflocs removed will be at the same rate as in exp.2, while all fish waste will be removed from the settling tank. At each interval, the bioflocs and fish waste will be separated into three equal portions. The first will be dried and stored for later analysis of the mineral and proximate composition. The second will be dried, stored, mineralized in water and then the water sampled at 24, 36 and 48 hr to measure the mineral and nitrogen composition. The third portion will be freshly mineralized and the water sampled at 24, 36 and 48 hr to measure the mineral and nitrogen composition. From the left over biofloc and fish waste, after being mineralized, will then be dried and later analyzed for the mineral composition and crude protein content. Using these data we will examine the differences before (initial) and after mineralization. All samples will be measured in triplicate. At each periodic interval, water samples at both UAPB and KSU will be collected for heterotrophic bacterial strains enumeration and identification.Experiment 4: Depending on the results of exp.3, the bioflocs / animal waste (refers to either shrimp or fish waste) will either be freshly harvested and mineralized or the bioflocs / animal waste will be dried, stored and then mineralized. Although equal amounts of mineralized biofloc / animal waste will be used, the most appropriate amount of mineralized bioflocs and fish waste will first be determined by a pilot study. This will be determined by increasing the amounts of mineralized biofloc / animal waste in order to increase the combined ammonia and nitrite concentration by 0.3 mg/L and/or the nitrate concentration to 10 mg/L. These levels are chosen to minimize the potential for chronic stress to the fish during the experiment. No fish or plants will be present during this time. Each treatment will be triplicated and therefore 8 independent RAS will be used.For the catfish and shrimp systems, there will be a total of 4 treatments, which will include daily additions of mineralized bioflocs, mineralized animalwaste, an equal amount of mineralized bioflocs / waste or adding nothing (control) to the aquaponic systems.After completing the pilot study, catfish or shrimp will be added at the same amount as exp.3, into each biofloc and aquaponic system. It is anticipated that prior to conducting this experiment, other experiments will be run to assess the feasibility of culturing catfish in aquaponic systems. If catfish turn out to be inappropriate, tilapia can be used as a substitute. The system will be allowed to mature for 3 weeks and thus ensure sufficient bioflocs and the biofilter to run. During this time, the plants that will include basil, parsley and lettuce, which will be germinated on site in soil. After germinating, these will be gently removed and will be equally distributed among the floating rafts in aquaponic treatments. Each hole in the floating raft will contain plugs to stabilize the roots of the plants. In the shrimp aquaponics systems at KSU, Spartina alterniflora and Salicornia virginica will be grown as a model plants to determine the feasibility of combining biofloc and aquaponics in a saltwater system. S. alterniflora is a species of marsh grass is highly salt-tolerant and can grow quickly, helping to efficiently remove nutrients and minerals from the aquaculture systems. Unpublished research results from KSU indicate that Spartina sp. is highly digestible and may provide a concentrated source of minerals as a dietary supplement for ruminant production. S. virginica is also called sea asparagus and is an edible vegetable crop, popular in some regions as a salad topping among other things; it is also highly salt tolerant.The mineralized biofloc / animal waste will be added daily and the experimental duration will be at least 8 weeks, and during this time the water quality parameters will be measured as in exp.1. Every two weeks, a sample of the water as well as plants will be tested for copper, iron, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, calcium and manganese to obtain the nutrient dynamics of the system. Water samples will be taken before adding the mineralized biofloc / waste. The aquaponic produce will also be harvested during this time. For the herbs, these will be cut back as needed and weighed. The lettuce will be altogether removed and replaced with young lettuce as necessary, other plants will be trimmed and managed to maximize production. The weights and durations will be recorded to assess the productivity of the aquaponic plants. At final sampling, the fish and shrimp will be individually measured and weighed as in exp.1. Success will be determined by examining plant and animal productivity, as well as nutrient uptake by the plants.

Progress 02/15/19 to 01/25/23

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience was both farmers and academics. Specifically,those interested in aquaponics and/or biofloc technology are small scale farmers. Although after the past few years, these systems are becoming more commercialized. Changes/Problems:The major challenge was obtaining students which was related, in part, due to covid. Because of this, the last 2 goals were switched from biofloc technology to black soldier fly larvae frass as nutritional supplements in aquaponics. In spite of this change, I believe this project was highly successful because thisyielded and will yield publications in high impact journals while the purchased equipment allowed for collaboration among various universities and institutions as well as training of students and faculty. In fact, the vast majority of the publications were not reported here because they were outside the scope of this project, but were published becasue of theCBG allowed me to purchase the necessary equipment to conduct research in other aquaculture areas. Therefore,I would like to sincerely thank NIFAfor this funding opportunity. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?We had 4 students and 2 visiting international scholars on this project where I was able to train them in aquaponic systems as well as using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and histology, and these equipment were written in and purchased under this grant. Specifically, these students and visiting scholars helped to run studies in the aquaponic system and several have been published, are under review and are currently in preparation. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?I have talked with farmers in Arkansas as well as non-profit organizations involved with aquaponicsin Texas and Georgia regarding the results obtained in this study as well as overall personal opionins regarding what works and what doesn't in aquaponics. I have presented twice for the "Aquaponics Association" -- once virtually and the other in person at their meeting in Oklahoma (in 2022). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Out of the above outcomes we accomplished goals 1-2. Because of issues in the past with covid we switched goals 2-3 with black soldier fly larvae frass instead of biofloc (which required daily activities for their culture). Specifically, rather than using biofloc and fish waste as supplements in an aquaponic system we used black soldier fly larvae frass (the manure of the insects) that was produced by our lab and added to an aquaponic system. We measured the nutrient dynamics of aquaponic systems with or without frass additions, their effect on plant productivity and mineral composition of the plants, water and the frass itself.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Supplementing aquaponics with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae frass tea: Effects on the production and composition of sweetpotato slips and sweet banana peppers. Aquaculture 555, 738160
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2023 Citation: Productivity and elemental/chlorophyll composition of collard greens in an aquaponic system with or without media or with or without black solider fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae frass, Aquaculture Research in press
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2023 Citation: Aquaponic production of strawberries: influence of born and media on their mineral and sugar composition. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, submitted
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Aquaponics substantially improved sweetpotato slip production compared to soil but decreased phenol and antioxidant capacity. Aquaculture International 30, 2603-2610.

Progress 02/15/21 to 02/14/22

Outputs
Target Audience:This project has interest to both large and small scale farmers as well as academics. We have published several peer-reviewed publications under this project, presented at national conferences and have submitted an extension article this week (not yet published) to relate the findings to farmers. I have also had several farmers come to the site for tours and demonstrations as well as many stakeholders and students. In one instance, a farmer made a video of the aquaponic set up in order to reach a wide audience that was featured on the Little Rock news station (KATV) twice (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzDAmgLq-xs&t=40s) Changes/Problems:It was necessary to substtite bioflocs with black soldier fly larvae frass as a supplement for aquaponics. This was becauseof the pandemic, we were not allowed to come to university each day -- thus, fish would have died in a biofloc system (requires daily additions of sugar to keep the bioflocs going). With insects, it was possible to skip days and spend less time on their culture. We were able to produce more than enough frass for the aquaponic study. We analysed the frass, just as we would have to the bioflocs, and ran 2 aquaponic studies (one submitted for publication and the other in preparation) What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Histology -- students learned about whether or not using frass could lead to hepatic toxicity (entire set up purchased under this grant) Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) -- students (at least 5) learned how to measure various minerals form water and solid material (including digestion) -- the AAS was purchased with this grant Water quality -- 3 students learned how to measure basic paramters (nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, alkalinity and hardness) General husbandry -- 3 students had hands on experience with aquaponics How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?I have published several papers, presented at this past World Aquaculture Society conference (San Antonio), one presentation to Sigma Xi, and submitted an extension article. Perhaps more importantly, many farmers andhave come to observe my aquaponic system and to answer their questions. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?I will continue to explore how to optimize aquaponic production using supplements -- but the main goals were achieved

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objectives 1 and 2 were done. Objective 3: biofloc was substituted with black soldier fly larvae frass because during the pandemic it was more feasibleto culture insects than fish (for insects it was possible to skip days and spend less time, but with fish, it would have required every day committment that was not allowed by the university). The mineral, bacterial composition and nitrogen content was examined in the frass when produced fromdifferent substrates and was used for objective 4. The mineral composition was measured using the AAS that was purchased under this grant. Objective 4: mineralized biofloc/fish waste wassubstituted with black soldier fly larvae frass (more feasible to do over the pandemic) and was used as a supplement in an aquaponic system. Benefits were found to plant growth as well as their sugar and mineral content. Results have been submitted for publication.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Comparing water quality/bacterial composition and productivity of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides juveniles in a recirculating aquaculture system versus aquaponics as well as plant growth/mineral composition with or without media. Aquaculture 538, 736554
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2021 Citation: Supplementing aquaponics with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae frass tea: effects on the production and mineral composition of sweetpotato slip and sweet banana peppers. submitted to Aquaculture
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Conversion of Spent Coffee and Donuts by Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae into Potential Resources for Animal and Plant Farming. Insects 12, 332

Progress 02/15/20 to 02/14/21

Outputs
Target Audience:I have made an oral presentation at the annual World Aquaculture Conference in Hawaii (international conference) as well as an oral presentation at the annual baitfish meeting in Lonoke. Additionally, we have published 4 papers from this grant in international peer-reviewed journals to potentially reach a larger audience. Moreover, I have been in contact with several farmers via email or in person to disseminate some of our findings. Changes/Problems:Our main problem was COVID as this limited our time to conduct longer term experiments (not just how long they ran for but also in terms of preparation). However, we did run several studies on insects (black soldier fly larvae) during the pandemic as this was much less labor intensive, shorter and is relevant to another project I am conducting. Once the university opened up, we then conducted an aquaponic study that was successfully completed after 2 months where various minerals were measured in the water and organic samples. This provided opportunities for the student to learn various skills, especially with regards to operating our atomic absorption spectrophotometer. This is crucial for our next studies where we plan on trying to fullfill our stated objectives. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?I have trained my Masters student, as well as others, in how to operate an atomic absorption spectrophotmeter when using samples from water or organic material (that requires a digestion step). A total of six students have been trained on this. Additionally, I have trained two students on all the steps for histology (fixing, processing, embedding, sectioning, staining and taking slide pictures), which includes my Master student. The experiments performed from this grant has also alowed me to train my Masters student on fish husbandry, biofloc technology, aquaponics and culturing insects. During COVID, we focused on insect farming as a less time intensive activity. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We have published several papers and presented at conferences. We have also disseminated our findings to a farmer who is especially interested in both insect farming and aquaponics. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?I plan on starting at least 2 experiments next year to focus on mineral composition and dynamics in biofloc and an aquaponic system. Additionally, I will try to obtain another Masters student to help us fullfill our goals.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. We ran an experiment using differnet carbon sources, and the samples were used for measuring the proximate composition. 2. This has not yet been done -- our atomic absorption spectrophotometer only got set up a few months ago. 3. This is planned for next year (2021) 4. We have recently finished measuring the water samples for minerals, as well as the roots and leaves of two different plant species, when culturing fish in an aquaponic system. We plan on using mineralized biofloc and fish waste next year (2021)

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Fischer, H., Romano, N., Renukdas, N., Egnew, N., Sinha, A.K., Ray, A.J., 2020. The potential of rearing juveniles of bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus, in a biofloc system. Aquaculture Reports 17, 100398.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Romano, N., Renukdas, N., Fischer, H., Shrivastava, J., Baruah K., Egnew, N., Sinha, A.K., 2020. Differential modulation of oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, histomorphology, ion-regulation and growth marker gene expression in goldfish (Carassius auratus) following exposure to different dose of virgin microplastics. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology 238C, 108862.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Romano, N., Fischer, H., Egnew, N. 2020. Color and sugar preferences of adult black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) (Dipetera: Stratiomyidae) for feeding and oviposition. Journal of Environmental Biology 41, 1132-1137
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Fischer, H., Romano, N. 2020.Fruit, vegetable, and starch mixtures on the nutritional quality of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae and resulting frass. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, in press
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Fischer, H., Romano, N., Jones, J., Howe, J., Egnew, N., Renukdas, N., Sinha, A. Comparing plant growth and mineral composition in different aquaponic systems as well as comparing water quality/bacterial. submitted composition and productivity of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, juveniles in a recirculating system versus aquaponics.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Egnew, N., Romano, N., Fischer, H., Sinha, A. Purging black solider fly larvae compromises their nutritive value as ingredients for the food industry. submitted

Progress 02/15/19 to 02/14/20

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience is both academics and farmers. At UAPB, Ihave published one article already in a peer-reviwed high impact international journal (in "Aquaculture") entitled, "Assessing the feasibility of biofloc technology to largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides juveniles: Insights into their welfare and physiology". We also have submitted one manuscript in another peer-reviwed high impact international journal ("Aquaculture Reports"), entitled, "Feasibility of biofloc technology for rearing bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus juveniles": nutritional contribution of biofloc, bacterial/water quality composition and overall productivity.", which is currently under review. The findings of these studies will be directly communicated with the farmers via an oral presentation at the "Lonoke Aquaculture Workshop and the Arkansas Bait and Ornamental Fish Growers Association Annual Metting". The title of the presetnation is,"Feasibility of biofloc technology to largemouth bass and bluegill juveniles" on Feburary 7th, 2020. I have also been in direct contact with a local farmer who owns "Brent's Floating Farms". Changes/Problems:At UAPB: We actually ran twoexperiments that failed before running a successful one. In the first two, there was insufficient aeration to support the biofloc system. This system was newly built and were still working out these issues. In addition, Arkansas experienced highly unusual flooding in the area, which flooded the area and temporarily knocked out our aeration system. Steps were taken to prevent this from occurring again. At KSU:An experiment was designed and initiated to achieve this objective; however, the biofloc treatments had very poor water quality. These treatments had high ammonia concentrations, followed by extremely high nitrite concentrations. The nitrite continued to rise, even in the treatment with added sugar, and all of the shrimp in the biofloc treatments died. The experiment was then terminated. A new experiment is being planned that will include external biofilters on all tanks to help stabilize water quality. This project will be initiated in Spring 2020. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?At UAPB, I am currently training a Masters student as well as an extra-help staff who recently completed their Masters at UAPB. This training involves histological techniques, implementing biofloc technology/general fish husbandry, biochemical analysis, systems design and scientific writing. At KSU, Andrew Ray is training a Masters student on biofloc technology and involving undergraduate students in his research. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Oral presentation at the annual Lonoke Baitifsh and Ornamental Meeting on Feb. 7th, and one published international paper.I have been in regular contact with a farmer who owns "Brent Floating Farms Inc" who is currently operating an aquaponic farm and interested in biofloc technology, and much of this contact involves knowlege transfer. I have also provided some knowlege transfer to two other farmers who own and operate an aquaponic buisness ("Really Green Greens" and "Water Veg Aquaponics"). The owner of "Water Veg Aquaponics" is particulalry interested in biofloc technology. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Many issues that were obtacles to completing some of the tasks have been resolved and are confident objectives 1 and 2 can be successfully completed. It is likely that some preliminary results can also be obtained for objectives 3 and 4.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: Determine the proximate and mineral composition of bioflocs when using different carbon sources and subsequent effect on the productivity and quality of catfish juveniles and shrimp. At UAPB: We conducted an experiment where various carbon sources were used (housing goldfish), but the experiment failed due to flooding in the area. We conducted a second experiment using corn starch or sugar (sucrose) and the expriment was successful, but through a mistake by the student, the biofloc samples were lost for proximate composition analysis. We will be conducting another experiment in Spring 2020, and we also have an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. At KSU: An experiment was designed and initiated to achieve this objective; however, the biofloc treatments had very poor water quality. These treatments had high ammonia concentrations, followed by extremely high nitrite concentrations. The nitrite continued to rise, even in the treatment with added sugar, and all of the shrimp in the biofloc treatments died. The experiment was then terminated. A new experiment is being planned that will include external biofilters on all tanks to help stabilize water quality. This project will be initiated in Spring 2020. Specific objective 2: Based on the best carbon source from objective 1, to determine the optimal amount of biofloc that can be removed without deteriorating the water quality or productivity of catfish and shrimp as well as to determine the mineral composition of bioflocs over time. AtUAPB and KSU: We have not initiated this objective yet. After we met objective 1, this project will be planned. Specific objective 3: To compare and quantify the mineral composition, bacterial composition and nitrogen content from biofloc and fish waste before mineralization and after mineralization. At UAPB: This is scheduled for Spring 2020. At KSU: An initial trial was conducted which examined aerated shrimp waste compared to non-aerated shrimp waste material. The non-aerated material produced a very low DO concentration. The pH dropped significantly lower and temperature increased in the non-aerated material. Both mineralization techniques resulted in a release of minerals into the water. Aerobic mineralization resulted in a large concentration of nitrate being released into the water; on the other hand the anaerobic conditions led to a decrease in nitrate concentration. This decrease in nitrate may not be beneficial for aquaponics, but it is encouraging for long-term water use. Specific objective 4: Examine different combinations of mineralized biofloc and fish waste on the nutrient dynamics and productivity of plants in an aquaponic-system housing catfish or shrimp. At UAPB: We recently installed 6 identifcalaquaponic systems and plan to conduct some preliminary results in Spring 2020. At KSU: We plan to start conducting experiments for this objective in Spring 2021.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Sinha, A., Romano, N., Shrivastava, J., Monico, J., Bishop, W.M. 2020. Oxidative stress, histopathological alterations and anti-oxidant capacity in different tissues of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) exposed to a newly developed sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate granular algaecide formulated with hydrogen peroxide. Aquatic Toxicology 218, 105348 doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.105348
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2020 Citation: Fischer, H., Romano, N., Renukdas, N., Egnew, N., Sinha, A.K. Feasibility of biofloc technology to bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus, juveniles: Nutritional contribution of biofloc, bacterial/water composition and overall productivity.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Romano, N., Surratt, A., Renukdas, N., Monico, J., Egnew, N., Sinha, A.K. 2020. Assessing the feasibility of biofloc technology to largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides juveniles: Insights into their welfare and physiology. Aquaculture 520, 735008