AQUACULTURE AND WATER QUALITY: THE ROLE OF FILTRATION AND SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN FISH FARMING

Abstract

This study investigates the role of filtration systems and sustainable practices in maintaining water quality and enhancing productivity in aquaculture. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining literature review, water quality monitoring, and interviews with farm operators. The study focused on farms employing various filtration technologies, including mechanical, biological, and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems. The results showed that biological filtration and IMTA systems significantly reduced ammonia and nitrate concentrations, with an average reduction of 64% and 60%, respectively, compared to pre-filtration levels. In contrast, mechanical filtration was effective in removing particulate matter but less efficient in nutrient removal. Sustainable practices, such as optimized feed management and waste reduction, were found to correlate strongly with improved water quality and increased farm productivity, with farms adopting these practices seeing up to a 25% increase in productivity. Water quality together with environmental impacts and operational efficiency of aquaculture systems improves when advanced filtration technologies merge with sustainable farming methods. Sustainable aquaculture methods require a perfect partnership between filtration technology developments and responsible production techniques to achieve seafood production targets for global markets while reducing pollution impacts.