Aquaculture pond water aeration system

Dissolved oxygen DO concentration is one of the most important water quality parameters affecting the quality of wastewater and aquaculture pond water. Various types of aeration systems have been developed over the years to maintain the desired level of DO concentration in the wastewater in an effort to improve the energy efficiency of the oxygen mass transfer process. In intensive aquaculture system increased fertilization, excessive feeding and high stocking density the natural aeration is insufficient and will be a limiting factor for production. Therefore, artificial aeration is very much essential for survival of intensively cultured aquatic flora and fauna. It is estimated that additional 500 kg of fish production can be achieved per kW of aeration. Aeration cost is           the third largest cost in intensive aquaculture system after post larvae and feed cost representing about 15% of total production cost (Kumar et al., 2013). The selected aerator must be economically efficient and should be able to fulfill the requirement of oxygen supply in the pond water.  Aerators contributes significant amount in the total production cost in intensive aquaculture. Mechanical Aeration enhances water quality and also improves the aqua-cultural yield. It also reduces the settlement of feed at the bottom of the pond. Dissolved oxygen (DO) is one of the most important water quality parameters affecting the quality of aquaculture water. Oxygen enters into the water body by absorption from the atmosphere or by plant photosynthesis. It is removed by respiration of organisms and decomposition of organic matter.