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  • A molecular and multivariate approach to the microbial community of a commercial shallow raceway marine recirculation system operating with a moving bed biofilter
    Publication . Matos, Ana; Borges, Maria-Teresa; Peixe, Carla; Henriques, Isabel; Pereira, Carlos M.; Castro, Paula M. L.
    Information on commercial aquaculture systems bacterial communities is scarce. The present study was performed in a turbot shallow raceway recirculating aquaculture system throughout 221 days after initial fish stocking. The dynamics of bacteria attached to a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor and the distribution of the system culturable planktonic heterotrophic bacteria were assessed. Different levels of free heterotrophic bacteria were found over time: <= 2.6 x 10(4) CFU mL(-1) in incoming and ozonated water and >= 1.5 x 10(6) CFU mL(-1) in raceway and biofilter water. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of nine strains persistently isolated from the system affiliated with Bacteroidetes, alpha-Proteobacteria or gamma-Proteobacteria. Polymerase chain reaction-denaturating gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) data showed temporal and spatial segregation of attached biofilter community. The first 32 days were the most important for bacterial establishment with higher culturable bacteria biomass loadings and higher community diversity. Multivariate canonical correspondence analysis of PCR-DGGE showed that the most common aquaculture water quality descriptors explained 70% of the DGGE pattern variability.
  • Feasibility of typha latifolia for high salinity effluent treatment in constructed wetlands for integration in resource management systems
    Publication . Jesus, J. M.; Calheiros, C. S. C.; Castro, P. M. L.; Borges, M. T.
    High salinity wastewaters have limited treatment options due to the occurrence of salt inhibition in conventional biological treatments. Using recirculating marine aquaculture effluents as a case study, this work explored the use of Constructed Wetlands as a treatment option for nutrient and salt loads reduction. Three different substrateswere tested for nutrient adsorption, of which expanded clay performed better. This substrate adsorbed 0.31 mg kg−1 of NH4 +−N and 5.60 mg kg−1 of PO4 3−−P and 6.9 mg kg−1 dissolved salts after 7 days of contact. Microcosms with Typha latifolia planted in expanded clay and irrigated with aquaculture wastewater (salinity 2.4%, 7 days hydraulic retention time, for 4 weeks), were able to remove 94%NH4 +−N(inlet 0.25±0.13 mg L−1), 78%NO2 −−N(inlet 0.78±0.62 mg L−1), 46% NO3 −−N (inlet 18.83 ± 8.93 mg L−1) whereas PO4 3−−P was not detected (inlet 1.41 ± 0.21 mg L−1). Maximum salinity reductions of 52% were observed. Despite some growth inhibition, plants remained viable, with 94% survival rate. Daily treatment dynamics studies revealed rapid PO4 3−−P adsorption, unbalancing the N:P ratio and possibly affecting plant development. An integrated treatment approach, coupled with biomass valorization, is suggested to provide optimal resource management possibilities.