The use of biochar in the production of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in a biofloc technology system - BFT

Abstract

The present study investigated the effectiveness of biochar as a water quality control agent and an alternative carbon source in a tilapia-based biofloc technology (BFT) system. Water quality parameters were measured following standard procedures (APHA, 1998) and fish physiological indices were measured using designated ELISA kits. Data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and one-way ANOVA. Two biochar treatments were employed i.e. B; only biochar, GB; biochar + glucose, while for the control (G) only glucose was added. Tilapia fingerlings were cultured for approximately 10 weeks with no water exchange. Significant reduction (p < 0.05) in dissolved oxygen (DO) level was observed in group G (5.99 ± 0.10 mg/L) compared to B (6.66 ± 0.12 mg/L) and GB (6.53 ± 0.56 mg/L). Notably, concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS) were signficantly lower in the biochar treatments (B and GB) compared to the control (G). Additionally, alkalinity was significantly higher in G (156.47 ± 5.17 mg/L) compared to B (137.92 ± 3.83 mg/L) and GB (146.44 ± 3.87 mg/L). Levels of NO3- and total nitrogen (TN) were significantly higher in group B compared to G and GB. Also, significant difference was observed in PO43- levels between B (30.81 ± 2.28 mg/L) and GB (22.70 ± 1.84 mg/L). The dynamics of the water quality parameters revealed that heterotrophic assimilation and nitrification were active in maintaining the water quality. Overall, the result showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in all the fish growth parameters. Urea nitrogen measured in the fish was significantly lower in B (3.85 ± 0.32 mmol/L) compared to G (5.40 ± 0.39 mmol/L) and GB (5.53 ± 0.39 mmol/L). Generally, there were no notable detrimental effects of biochar application on fish growth and physiological performance.