Treating fish farm effluent using denitrifying bioreactors

Treating fish farm effluent using denitrifying bioreactors

Advisor/s

A/Prof Paul Nelson, Dr Alex Cheesman, Prof Rocky de Nys

College or Research Centre

College of Science & Engineering

Summary of Project

This project will determine ways of improving the quality of fish farm effluent, particularly by removing nitrogen, using denitrifying bioreactors. The research will be carried out on a commercial fish farm in the Wet Tropics, using pilot-scale and commercial scale bioreactors, which are the first in Australia. Bioreactor performance will be assessed in relation to operating parameters and novel treatments. Denitrifying bioreactors route water through a high-carbon substrate under anaerobic conditions to encourage denitrification (the conversion of nitrate to atmospheric N2). This research is critical for facilitating development of the aquaculture industry in the environmentally sensitive Great Barrier Reef catchments.

Key Words

water quality; Great Barrier Reef; nitrogen pollution; water treatment; aquaculture

Would suit an applicant who

has interest in: biogeochemistry, environmental science, hydrology and catchment management.

Updated: 27 May 2020