The reuse of water in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) has significant environmental benefits as water consumption is reduced and the water is cleaned. In RAS, however, dissolved compounds and delicate particulate organic matter are complicated to remove, leading to a high risk of microparticles accumulating in the system, serving as a food source and a reservoir for bacterial colonization.

Traditional methods for monitoring bacterial and fungal levels are labor-intensive. They have long analysis times, typically 2-5 days, making them irrelevant in a RAS operation where bacterial numbers can increase exponentially.

The high risk of fungal infection and uncontrolled bacterial proliferation in RAS can lead to disease outbreaks and unstable water quality affecting mortality, fish welfare, and performance.

Once fungal and bacterial growth has occurred, it should not take a week to get an analysis result. This challenge led BactiQuant to conceptualize an easy-to-use technology to provide a fast and accurate assessment of bacterial levels. We wanted to give a process tool that allows the RAS operator to make rapid and relevant operational decisions based on facts.

We firmly believe that stable water quality is the key to reduced mortality, better fish welfare, and higher product quality.