Application of fine bubble technology toward sustainable agriculture and fisheries

Abstract

Unsustainable agriculture and fisheries due to their association with pollution, global warming, and high energy demand warrant effective mechanisms to reverse the trends. Fine bubble technology (FBT) has emerged as a groundbreaking solution for addressing critical challenges related to climate change, environmental sustainability, cost, and energy efficiency in production processes. By reviewing the literature on FBT application in the two sectors, this article builds a case for FBT as a fundamental technology for sustainable and resilient food production systems with minimal environmental impact. Results indicate the potential of FBT in reducing fertilizer use by about 20%, methane gas emissions in paddy rice by approximately 20%, reducing pesticides and pharmaceuticals use, energy saving due to improved efficiencies in irrigation, seed germination, and higher stocking densities in fisheries. FBT also offers options for managing cadmium-contaminated soils. Despite challenges in the generation of fine bubbles and associated costs, FBT benefits including a positive economic performance indicated by a benefit-to-cost ratio of greater than one would be the driving force towards further optimization of FBT to enhance its adoption and commercialization towards sustainable and resilient food production systems.