SALTECH
Module

Ensuring mariculture meets new regulations, improving resource management and creating commercial opportunities

Overview

Aquaculture can provide a nutritious and sustainable source of protein for the growing global population

However, current water treatment processes for land-based mariculture generate an undesirable by-product

The water is regularly treated to remove ammonia (a waste product from the fish) by breaking it down into less toxic nitrates. Existing technologies could not remove nitrates and other pollutants, which can then build up in the fish tank. Updated environmental regulations require nitrates to be removed from fish farming systems.

Project Ô has developed SALTECH module to remove nitrates from land-based mariculture systems

It will treat mariculture water to create the opportunity for an almost 100% closed loop of water use by removing nitrates

Some of the used water can also be treated to remove some of the salt. This allows the nutrient-rich water to be used for salt-tolerant crops. These crops can be used as food for the fish.

Solution

SALTECH module is designed specifically to aid water reuse in land-based mariculture

It can be used in any land-based mariculture location with great potential for systems to be located away from coastal land

Using this module can:

  • Improve the standard of discharged treated used water
  • Increase water reuse
  • Lead to an improved fish growth rate, through a more stable water temperature
  • Improve yield and quality, through efficient management of disease control
  • Reduce costs incurred through pumping new input water and used water discharge taxes
  • Meet environmental regulations for nitrate removal

Using SALTECH module also provides an opportunity for commercial expansion. The commercial potential includes:

  • Selling treated used water for irrigation
  • On-site algae production, with excess algae sold for profit
  • Nutrient recovery, which can be reused in agriculture or aquaculture

SALTECH module was first installed at the National Centre for Mariculture in Eilat, Israel

It has been developed to become part of the mariculture treatment process to remove nitrates

This enables an almost 100% closed loop of reused water, with the only water requiring replacement being that lost through natural evaporation. As well as meeting new environmental legislation, the system will be more efficient and cost-effective.