Water Resources Research Act Program

Principal Investigators: Jason Danaher

Abstract: Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are enclosed systems that require water replacement for water lost to evaporation and discharge of aquaculture effluent. A sustainable RAS must efficiently remove and discharge total suspended solids (TSS) from the culture system. Quick and efficient removal of TSS from the system allows for increased system sustainability through improved water quality. Currently, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) aquaponic system uses a cylindro-conical clarifier for TSS settlement and discharge. Parabolic screen filters and swirl separators could replace the current clarifier in the aquaponic system resulting in improvement of TSS removal rates and reduction in initial capital expenses. There currently are no published research articles on the use of swirl separators or parabolic screen filters for water treatment in aquaponic systems. These components are commonly used in RAS systems and are warranted for research in the UVI aquaponic system to determine their operational advantages and any drawbacks toward system sustainability. Over a 10-month period two studies will evaluate the effects of either parabolic screen filters or swirl separators on solid waste management, fish production and vegetable production by analyzing water quality parameters within the aquaponic system and water quality parameters of discharged effluent from an aquaponic system.