WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • SEPTEMBER 2025 59 The variation of BOD and TDS along the 12 m of the IPTM system indicates that from point 1 to point 5 there is an increase in microbial metabolic activity, which is supported by the gradual decrease in organic load along the path (Table 2). Specifically at point 1 where the highest organic load was found, the lowest dissolved oxygen (DO) values were recorded due to microbial consumption (Figure 9). Furthermore, dissolved oxygen (DO) experiences a gradual increase throughout the system, giving meaning to the reduction of organic load within the system as it approaches point 5. In the early stages of treatment, DO is consumed by biomass and organic matter. However, as the organic load decreases, the demand is reduced, increasing DO levels in the last sections of the IPTM system (Merino 2025). The results obtained show stable behavior in terms of the water temperature in the IPTM system, although there is a slight increase in the afternoon hours. This is a normal behavior in systems subjected to changes in ambient temperature (Table 3). The average temperature inside the reactor was 10.66 °C, this condition being constant throughout the process. The differences between the morning and afternoon schedules do not present significant variations, nor do the temperature difference between the points, indicating a uniform thermal distribution throughout the IPTM system. The Role of Bacteria in the System An innovative feature of IP™ technology is the role of naturally occurring bacterial communities that establish and evolve within the system. These bacteria create stable and diverse ecosystems that are essential for effluent treatment. Microbiological analyses revealed an average 82.5% reduction in total bacterial load, including a 75% to 85% decrease in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This is particularly significant for mitigating risks associated with the spread of bacterial resistance, a major global public health concern. Furthermore, the presence of total and fecal coliforms consistently remained below Chilean regulatory limits, with fewer than 1,000 MPN per 100 mL. These results confirm that the system not only improves water quality but also enhances sanitary safety, reducing potential risks for ecosystems and nearby communities. Applications in RAS, Semi-RAS, and Open Flow Systems Emerging wastewater treatment alternatives can be integrated at various stages of conventional processes, particularly in nutrient control - one of the most complex aspects of any system. Implementing these innovative technologies can significantly improve treatment efficiency, addressing a critical challenge for the sustainability of aquaculture. It is essential that emerging alternatives for aquaculture wastewater treatment are refined and scaled up for industrial use. This will allow their effective integration into existing unit processes, ensuring both functionality and economic feasibility. The ability to combine these emerging technologies with conventional methods can lead to hybrid approaches that merge the proven reliability of traditional systems with the innovation offered by new solutions. Moreover, integrating these alternatives can result in significant reductions in operating costs and environmental impact, supporting more responsible water resource management (Figure 10). Therefore, it is imperative that industry and researchers collaborate to conduct large-scale trials and develop protocols that facilitate the adoption of these solutions. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 60) FIGURE 8. Turbidity monitoring in the IPTM pilot bioreactor at Molco (Merino, 2025) FIGURE 9. Dissolved oxygen monitoring in the IPTM pilot bioreactor at Molco (Merino, 2025) In the context of aquaculture sludge management, the IPTM technology offers a promising alternative, with its ability to reduce BOD, mitigate suspended solids, and operate with low maintenance costs, which establish IPTM as a viable option to improve the environmental sustainability of the industry.
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