[Unpad Media Channel] A Professor of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science at Universitas Padjadjaran Prof. Dr. Ir. Rita Rostika, M.P. said that the efficiency and optimization of aquaculture needed to be developed. This aims to fulfill the food demand from aquatic sources by increasing fisheries’ production.
A form of efficiency can be achieved by creating a system commonly known as a ‘Recirculating Aquaculture System’ (RAS). This system is a cultivation system that maintains water quality so that fish can grow and develop optimally.
“We know that RAS uses recirculated water or medium so that we can conduct more efficiencies related to the medium or water. We don’t need to change all the time because the water is recirculated,” said Prof. Rita during the Satu Jam Berbincang Ilmu (Sajabi) discussion titled “The Role of Protein Skimmer in Sustainable Shrimp and Lobster Aquaculture” that is held by the Board of Professors at Unpad by online, Saturday (25/5/2024).
Another important matter that needs attention by breeders is “Total Organic Matter” (TOM), or organic material in aquaculture water in excessive amounts that can become toxic to aquaculture commodities.
“The high value of TOM in water can cause stress symptoms, decrease appetite, trigger disease growth, and even lead to mass mortality. Physically, the low and high value of TOM in the water is caused by the increased accumulation of organic material at the bottom of shrimp or lobster ponds, which worsens the water quality,” explained Prof. Rita.
Several ways can be done to control TOM in the pond water, such as managing feed to prevent overfeeding and regularly siphoning to remove mud and sediment from the bottom of the pond.
Moreover, water replacement can also be done when the organic content is too high, increasing pond aeration and adding probiotics. For more optimal and efficient results, the use of a protein skimmer can be added to reduce continuous water replacement.
The protein skimmer complements various filters in the RAS. It filters dissolved solid waste using Form Separation Treatment or separates organic matter using foam.
“The principle of its operation is to separate dissolved solid substances in water through flotation via air bubbles introduced into the pond water through electrostatic interaction,” said Prof. Rita.
Prof. Rita said that air bubble injection would pump water containing pollutants. Subsequently, the water mixed with air bubbles will enter the skimming chamber, and pollutants will adhere to the bubbles until foam is formed.
Furthermore, Prof. Rita said that the use of a protein skimmer is very effective because it can reduce the ammonia content in pond water, lowers the values of TOM and TSS (Total Suspended Solids), helps increase the level of dissolved oxygen in the water, and requires low maintenance.
The use of protein skimmers also has positive effects on the environment because it can improve the quality of wastewater, reduce the burden on pond wastewater treatment plants (IPAL), maintain the carrying capacity of water bodies, and ensure the sustainability of farming activities.
“The protein skimmer has not been invented or sold for long. It hasn’t been around for long, but now it’s widely used because of its remarkable benefits. So, the main thing is the Total Organic Matter, which decreases significantly, reducing the need for frequent water changes,” she explained. (arm/SA)*
