Photocatalytic ozonation for a sustainable aquaculture: A long-term test in a seawater aquarium

A long-term test at a laboratory scale with a closed system (a coral reef aquarium)has been carried out to study the potentialities of photocatalytic ozonation and photocatalysis for the removal of noxious organic compounds in recirculating systems (aquaria and recirculating aquaculture systems)working with a minimum make up of new water. Attention has been focused not only on the depuration capabilities but also on possible negative phenomena, some of which could become apparent only at long times. After having tuned the system by setting appropriate operating conditions and procedures, positive results were obtained. In particular, it was observed that the alternation of photocatalytic ozonation with photocatalysis with definite cycle allowed to severely limit the presence of the organic compounds, which otherwise could accumulate in the system, and at the same time to control the formation of bromate, the ozonation side-product of main concern. In addition, the values of other parameters, which are important for water quality, remained at satisfactory values. It was also verified that the prepared photocatalytic films maintained a good photocatalytic activity even after several months of utilization in seawater. These results demonstrate that photocatalytic ozonation is a good candidate for water purification in recirculating systems in view of sustainable aquaculture.