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Passive Self-Regulating Denitrification Technology for Aquaculture

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Agriculture 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
67155 		Program Year/Program:
2004 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
2004-00448 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Aquaculture Systems Technologies, LLC
108 INDUSTRIAL AVE New Orleans, LA 70121-2902
View profile »
Woman-Owned: Yes
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2004
Title: Passive Self-Regulating Denitrification Technology for Aquaculture
Agency: USDA
Contract: 2004-33610-14420
Award Amount: $77,267.00
 

Abstract:

Commercial-scale marine aquaculture has the potential to close the gap between an increasing demand for high quality seafood products and marine fisheries near maximum sustainable yields. In flow through aquaculture systems, the release of nitrate to nearby streams, lakes, etc. can be detrimental to the ecology of the receiving water body. Similarly, in recirculating aquaculture and/or aquarium systems (RAS), high nitrate levels are toxic to many species. Therefore, the reduction of nitrate by denitrification is of major concern. Denitrification is normally achieved by adding methanol or a similar chemical to act as the necessary carbon source, which requires sophisticated computer monitoring and control systems. This project proposes to investigate the potential for using Polyhydroxyalkanotes (PHAs), a biodegradable biopolymer, produced from sugar fermentation, as an alternative carbon source for denitrification in recirculating aquaculture systems. The denitrification capability of PHA will be quantified and a predictive computer model will be developed for estimating PHA carbon release as a system design tool. Additionally, the commercial feasibility of employing PHAs as a simple, low-cost alternative to the relatively complex existing treatment methods will be investigated.

Principal Investigator:

Douglas G. Drennan
5048375575
douglas@beadfilters.com

Business Contact:

Catherine H. Drennan
Member
5048375575
cathy@beadfilters.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Aquaculture Systems Technologies, LLC
108 Industrial Avenue Jefferson, LA 70121

EIN/Tax ID:
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees: N/A
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No