Author(s):

Faiqa Syeed Farooqi and Wasim Ul Haq Qureshi

Abstract: Biofloc is a conglomeric aggregation of microbial communities such as phytoplankton, bacteria, and living and dead particulate organic matter. Biofloc technology involves manipulation of C/N ratio to convert toxic nitrogenous wastes into the useful microbial protein and helps in improving water quality under a zero water exchange system. It may act as a complete source of nutrition for aquatic organisms, along with some bioactive compounds that will enhance growth, survival, and defence mechanisms. Nutritionally, the floc biomass provides a complete source of nutrition as well as various bioactive compounds that are useful for improving the overall welfare indicators of aquatic organisms. Beneficial microbial bacterial floc and its derivative compounds such as organic acids, poly-hydroxy acetate and poly-hydroxy butyrate serve as a natural probiotic and immunostimulant. The biofloc technology is useful in maintaining optimum water quality parameters under a zero water exchange system, which prevents eutrophication and effluent discharge into the surrounding environment. Moreover, the technology will be useful to ensure bio security, as there is no water exchange except sludge removal. The technology is economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially acceptable.

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