The Resonant Sonic Fluidized Bed (RSFB) Biofilter for Closed Loop Aquaculture

Because of the impact of diseases on production and the environmental devastation wrought by commercial aquaculture effluents, modern methods of intensive aquaculture are evolving which rely heavily on the re-use of water. This proposal addresses the need for modular technology in closed loop aquaculture operations by enhancing the performance of a fluidized bed biofilter with low- frequency acoustic agitation to accelerate mass transfer of dissolved oxygen and other components. The low shear agitation will enable biofilms of active organisms to thrive on the support media. Additionally, the agitation will prevent fouling of the media with organic material, which severely compromises the ability of the filter to reduce ammonia concentrations. The Resonant Sonic Fluidized Bed (RSFB) Biofilter will provide a low cost improvement that will enable a small modular treatment unit to function with the same efficiency as a much larger system.