Author
 |
Brazil, Brian |
|
Submitted to: Aquaculture America Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 10/20/2004 Publication Date: 11/1/2004 Citation: Brazil, B.L. 2004. Review of design, performance and operations of rotating biological contactors in recirculating aquaculture systems. Aquaculture America Conference 2005. Book of Abstracts p441. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The rotating biological contactor (RBC) is a fixed-film biological filter adapted from the wastewater treatment industry that has been employed in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). In wastewater treatment, the RBC is used to achieve organic constituent reduction and nitrification, for which manufacturers have reliable performance data and design criteria. In aquaculture environments, the primary application is for nitrification (at significantly lower loadings than incurred in wastewater). Organic contamination is managed with ozonation and/or freshwater exchange. Thus, the performance curves and design basis may not be directly applicable in aquaculture environments. This investigation focuses on the performance of a municipal waste water RBC system operated at an industrial-scale RAS facility producing more than 907 metric tons of tilapia annually. Ammonia removal characteristics will be compared to reported performance standards and the design basis for other fixed-film biofilter types. Dissolved organic carbon and carbon dioxide removal efficiencies will also be reported. Lastly, operational parameters, such as head loss and mechanical and electrical requirements will be discussed and compared to other biological filter configurations. |
