As aquaculture experiences rapid expansion, the challenges associated with wastewater treatment are becoming increasingly pronounced. Aquaculture wastewater, rich in organic matter, ammonia nitrogen, nitrite, and other pollutants, poses a significant threat to the surrounding water environment if not adequately treated before discharge. Conventional methods such as physical filtration, chemical precipitation, and biological treatment offer partial improvements in water quality but often exhibit drawbacks such as low treatment efficiency, high energy consumption, and the potential for secondary pollution. Hence, the quest for a more efficient and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment technology is paramount.

MABR technology presents a novel solution for aquaculture wastewater treatment, characterized by its distinctive biofilm structure and bubble-free aeration. Within the MABR reactor, the biofilm adheres to the exterior of oxygen permeable membrane materials, while oxygen is supplied to the biofilm through membrane-based transfer. Simultaneously, pollutants like organic matter, ammonia, nitrogen, and others in the wastewater infiltrate the biofilm's interior through concentration differentials and biofilm absorption. Here, microorganisms degrade and transform these pollutants, fostering a process of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification. This dual action not only enhances pollutant removal efficiency but also stimulates the growth of beneficial microorganisms, bolstering the water body's self-purification capabilities.

The optimization of MABR technology in aquaculture scenarios is manifested in the following facets:

Enhanced Water Purification Efficiency:

Highly Effective Pollutant Removal: MABR technology provides ample attachment surfaces for microorganisms via its unique membrane structure, facilitating the formation of stable biofilms. These biofilms efficiently decompose organic matter, ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and other pollutants in aquaculture wastewater, significantly boosting purification efficiency. For instance, aerobic heterotrophic microorganisms on the MABR membrane break down, digest, and absorb organic matter to power their activities, while parthenogenetic heterotrophic microorganisms utilize organic matter to eliminate nitrate nitrogen and achieve total nitrogen removal.

Augmented Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Central to MABR technology is the leveraging of membrane-based high oxygen transfer capabilities, markedly elevating dissolved oxygen levels in the water. This feature is crucial for aquaculture environments, where adequate dissolved oxygen is vital for the healthy development of aquatic organisms.

Reduced Energy Consumption and Costs:

Energy Savings and Consumption Reduction: Unlike traditional aeration methods that demand substantial energy for air compression and transportation, MABR technology significantly curtails energy consumption through its bubble-free aeration mode. Furthermore, MABR technology exhibits minimal power requirements for fans, further lowering operational expenses.

Diminished Chemical Dependency: Thanks to its unique membrane structure, MABR technology efficiently degrades pollutants, lessening the need for chemicals and thereby reducing treatment costs and environmental risks.

Optimized Breeding Practices:

MABR-Enhanced Three Ponds and Two Dams Approach: This strategy incorporates MABR technology into pond ecological purification systems, driving efficient aquaculture water body purification through meticulous area segmentation and advanced technology application.

Improved Aquaculture Environment Stability: MABR technology ensures a steady provision of adequate dissolved oxygen and optimal water quality conditions, creating a stable and healthy growth environment for aquatic organisms. This contributes to lower stress responses in aquatic organisms and elevates aquaculture success rates.

Resource Recycling Promotion: Treated farming wastewater using MABR technology can meet or even surpass discharge standards, allowing for potential recycling. This not only conserves water but also reduces the pollution burden on natural water bodies.

Practical applications have demonstrated notable successes of MABR technology in aquaculture wastewater treatment. For example, Jiangsu Province Coastal Development (Dongtai) Co., Ltd., after implementing MABR technology for wastewater treatment, achieved significantly improved effluent water quality, meeting discharge standards for organic matter, ammonia nitrogen, nitrite, and other parameters. Additionally, MABR technology effectively mitigates eutrophication in water bodies and mitigates the impact of excessive algal blooms on water quality.

Looking ahead, with ongoing advancements in material science and technological processes, the application potential of MABR technology in aquaculture wastewater treatment will broaden. The high process adaptability of MABR technology will spur further innovation and the adoption of new treatment modes. Moreover, the integration of intelligent control systems will streamline the operation and management of MABR equipment, enhancing convenience and efficacy.