Optimization of factors with C/N ratio and flocs biomass concentration in simulated aquaculture bio-flocs systems by response surface methodology

Abstract

The TAN (total ammonia nitrogen) removal efficiency was investigated in simulated aquaculture bio-flocs technology systems. The response surface methodology that was applied with a central composite rotational design and two key operational parameters, flocs biomass concentration and C/N ratio was varied in order to evaluate the system performance and achieve the optimal operational conditions in this study. A polynomial linear regression model was found to quantitatively describe the relationship between the two variables and response values with adequate fitness in the simulate aquaculture bio-flocs systems. The results showed that flocs biomass concentration and operational C/N ratio both had significant impacts on the response objectives, as well as the interactions between them. The optimal results attained from the model indicated that more than 90% TAN removal efficiency was achieved when the flocs biomass concentration and C/N ratio were around 2.0–2.5 (volatile suspended solids, g/l) and 13–16, respectively.