engleski

Real-time control of water quality in aquaculture farms – Description of monitoring system and preliminary results

Aquaculture is a process of controlled cultivation of freshwater and marine organisms, mainly for human consumption and the renewal of fish stock [1]. It is highly dependent on the water quality which should be continuously monitored to undertake preventive actions in case of anomalies. Also, special attention should be paid to the environmental effect of aquaculture systems with an aim to reduce it as much as possible [2]. The water quality analysis includes control of several parameters, such as oxygen level, pH, chemical substances and others. Marine pollution is caused by various sources, from ships (e.g. oil spills) to onshore industries (e.g. toxic waste, chemical dissolutions). In case of aquaculture production, the decomposition of fish feed has the greatest impact but the infrastructures themselves also contribute. Materials immersed in saltwater can cause chemical anomalies by their decomposition. This is emphasized in case of ships where various antifouling coatings dissolve and release harmful substances, such as copper [3]. These substances enter the biosystem of marine organisms and can, by consumption of fish and mussels, affect human health. The deposition of uneaten feed on the seabed slows down the growth of marine flora and their degradation creates a chemical imbalance. The level of harmful substances, e.g. nitrogen and phosphorous, increases and leads to eutrophication of the marine area [4]. To reduce the negative impact of aquaculture production on the environment, greater funds are invested in monitoring systems and sensor networks to control the water quality and ensure a healthier environment.

aquaculture ; water quality ; measurement

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