Aims to evaluate the proprietary patented electrocoagulation (EC) technology for the coagulation of microalgae and reduction of total nitrogen in wastewater
NaturalShrimp, Inc., a Biotechnology Aquaculture Company that has developed and patented the first shrimp-focused commercially operational RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System), is beginning a prawn farm wastewater trial in Mackay, Australia.
NaturalShrimp, its wholly owned subsidiary Natural Aquatic Systems, industry, suppliers, and the FRDC are collaborating to evaluate the Company’s patented electrocoagulation (EC) technology for the reduction of nitrogen levels in wastewater and the coagulation of microalgae.
The reduction of nitrogenous output from prawn ponds remains a challenge for the Australian prawn industry. To address this concern, a project has been initiated to investigate EC technology’s efficacy in removing microalgae and nitrogen from settlement pond discharges. The EC technology removes ammonia and nitrites while producing an anti-oxidative water chemistry that is beneficial to the receiving ecosystem. The results of this project will provide valuable insight into the potential of EC technology to address the challenge of removing nutrients and allow farms that currently operate within permitted nutrient discharge limits to provide scope for increased production. EC has been proven to be an effective method for wastewater treatment and is highly preferred over chemical coagulation.
As part of the project, a feasibility study will be conducted that includes commercialization pathways into the shrimp and prawn industries. The study is funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and the Australian Prawn Farmers Association. The project is being conducted by Nautilus Collaboration, Natural Aquatic Systems, and Fresh By Design.