WasABI

Development and demonstration of a modular, container-based water treatment system to enhance the sustainability of aquaculture, leading to integrated multitrophic aquaculture with oxidative sanitization, as well as integration with biogas plants for cascaded waste utilization and mutual temperature regulation.

As part of the project, synergies between different production systems—particularly aquaculture and biogas utilization—are scientifically investigated. Using computer models and experimental results, concrete recommendations can be made regarding the use of modular water treatment systems and the efficient utilization of residual materials in biogas plants. An integrated energy management system supports the planning of new biogas plants in close proximity to aquaculture facilities, which can serve as heat consumers. The goal is to make it easier for operators of existing plants to comply with wastewater standards and to enable the reuse of water for multiple purposes.

The goal of the project is to integrate a container-based water treatment system—still under development—into traditional aquaculture facilities, among other settings, in a space-saving and cost-efficient manner. This modular water treatment system is intended to enable operators of existing facilities to meet the necessary quality requirements for discharged wastewater and to reuse the water multiple times. A computer model to be developed will enable system-specific scaling. Wastewater treatment focuses on mechanical purification, biological purification in the form of nitrification and denitrification, and sanitization using innovative photocatalytic oxidation or oxidation via a diamond electrode. Two additional treatment options are nutrient removal using a hydroponic component for plant production and the use of the module's organic residues (e.g., aquaculture sludge and hydroponic residues) in biogas plants. The computer model can use integrated measurement and control technology to monitor water quality and, based on this, manage the water flow through the treatment stages.Through computer modeling and based on experimental results, it is possible to provide targeted recommendations for the use of water treatment containers and for the efficient utilization of residual mater ials in biogas plants; forthermore, thanks to the integrated energy management system, these plants can serve as heat sinks in the immediate vicinity of aquaculture facilities during the planning of new biogas plants. Such a "plug-and-play" system with an integrated water and energy management model—which can be applied to a wide variety and range of aquaculture systems—improves both the ecological footprint of traditional aquaculture and self-sufficiency in sustainably produced food in Germany and worldwide. At the same time, it can strengthen the decentralized supply of renewable energy.