Final Report Summary - AQUAETREAT (Improvement and innovation of aquaculture effluent treatment Technology)
The AQUAETREAT project aimed to develop new methods, techniques, approaches and strategies for a more efficient and environmentally friendly use of water in aquaculture. Therefore, an efficient and cost-effective integrated system for wastewater treatment was developed to reduce clean water consumption by aquaculture activities and to mitigate the effluents environmental impacts. Moreover, among AQUAETREAT objectives was to transfer the produced knowledge to the professionals of the aquaculture sector within the European Union and to allow for the exploitation of some of the beneficial project results by experts around the world.
Firstly, the dynamics of water pollution in relation to the fish rearing process were analysed for three different fish farms, which were selected for the implementation of treatment systems within their production cycle. Different approaches and solutions were identified for each case study and were implemented to obtain the tangible reduction of water consumption and pollution. The best operating conditions were subsequently determined for each system through a series of trials.
All effluents, including treated water, sludge and other by-products of the treatment process were characterised via a series of physical, chemical and biological analyses. Moreover, the potential of the thickened, stabilised sludge to serve as a soil fertiliser was evaluated through its implementation in agricultural applications. The potential of the treated water for recirculation within the farms was also investigated. Finally, the impact of the effluents on the recipient ecosystem and on animal health was assessed, so as to define the benefits for the environment.
The capacity of the produced knowledge to serve as a tool against the environmental impacts of aquaculture was ensured and increased via numerous activities. Specific technical knowledge was provided to fish farmers through training courses to facilitate adoption and operation of the proposed solutions. In addition, a handbook for effluent treatment of great interest to the scientific community was published. The creation of a business structure supporting effluent treatment practices and providing design services and operational advice was also examined, since the increased awareness on water treatment provided promising conditions for business operations. Finally, dissemination actions targeting various audiences were undertaken, such as presentations in congresses and organisation of workshops, preparation of documentation, development of a website dedicated to the AQUAETREAT concept and establishment of professional links with international institutions.
Firstly, the dynamics of water pollution in relation to the fish rearing process were analysed for three different fish farms, which were selected for the implementation of treatment systems within their production cycle. Different approaches and solutions were identified for each case study and were implemented to obtain the tangible reduction of water consumption and pollution. The best operating conditions were subsequently determined for each system through a series of trials.
All effluents, including treated water, sludge and other by-products of the treatment process were characterised via a series of physical, chemical and biological analyses. Moreover, the potential of the thickened, stabilised sludge to serve as a soil fertiliser was evaluated through its implementation in agricultural applications. The potential of the treated water for recirculation within the farms was also investigated. Finally, the impact of the effluents on the recipient ecosystem and on animal health was assessed, so as to define the benefits for the environment.
The capacity of the produced knowledge to serve as a tool against the environmental impacts of aquaculture was ensured and increased via numerous activities. Specific technical knowledge was provided to fish farmers through training courses to facilitate adoption and operation of the proposed solutions. In addition, a handbook for effluent treatment of great interest to the scientific community was published. The creation of a business structure supporting effluent treatment practices and providing design services and operational advice was also examined, since the increased awareness on water treatment provided promising conditions for business operations. Finally, dissemination actions targeting various audiences were undertaken, such as presentations in congresses and organisation of workshops, preparation of documentation, development of a website dedicated to the AQUAETREAT concept and establishment of professional links with international institutions.
