The importance of WWTP or Wastewater Treatment Plant has recently become a concern in every shrimp culture. This is because WWTP functions to manage waste generated from ponds.

The waste generated from vannamei shrimp farming usually consists of water mixed with feces, leftover feed, and other organic debris. These wastes can cause water to become cloudy and polluted if not appropriately managed.

Therefore, let’s get to know more deeply the importance of WWTP for the following shrimp ponds.

Also Read: How to Cultivate Vannamei Shrimp from Preparation to Harvest

Characteristics of Wastewater

As long as vannamei shrimp farming takes place, pond water can produce waste consisting of shrimp droppings, leftover feed, and organisms often found settling at the bottom of the pond.

This wastewater can become a pollutant that harms the environment. However, pollutant levels depend on the length of rearing, the stocking density of vannamei shrimp, the substrate in the pond, and the construction of the pond.

If measured by water quality parameters such as biological oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), entire organic matter, turbidity, total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphate (TP), wastewater will show exceptionally high levels.

Wastewater Treatment Process

Treating vannamei shrimp pond wastewater usually considers two things: effective processing and efficiency in reducing pollutant levels. At the same time, the processing techniques are divided into three types, namely mechanical, chemical, and biological processing methods.

Meanwhile, the importance of WWTP in shrimp ponds is used to avoid chemical waste processing. This is because processing with chemical techniques can harm the environment. After all, it can threaten food safety.

Mechanical waste treatment is carried out through a settling process to reduce TSS. The settling process can be carried out in several ways, such as by filtering or slowing down the water flow’s speed so that it does not exceed 20 m/s.

While wastewater treatment with biological processes is carried out under aerobic, anaerobic conditions, or a combination of both. Aerobic conditions are usually used for wastewater treatment with a BOD load that is not too large, while anaerobic biological processes are used for wastewater treatment with a high BOD.

Biological wastewater treatment is divided into three: suspended culture, biological processes with attached cultures, and processing with lagoon or pond systems.

Also Read: Tiger Shrimp vs Vannamei Shrimp, Which One is Better for Cultivation?

Stages of Waste Treatment Through the WWTP System

The WWTP system helps farmers to treat pond water waste, so it is safe for the environment. The waste treatment process through the WWTP system usually consists of three stages:

1. Filtering

Waste from the vannamei shrimp farming process is first filtered through filter media such as cloth or biological media such as rock which can capture large particles such as dirt and leftover feed.

2. Biological Approach

After the waste is filtered, the waste is treated biologically using bacteria that can decompose organic waste into gas and water.

3. Clearing

After the waste is decomposed into gas and water, the water is filtered to remove any remaining particles. After that, the water can be reused for vannamei shrimp cultivation or discharged into the environment with a level of turbidity per the standards applied.

Using the WWTP system, the waste generated from vannamei shrimp farming can be appropriately managed so that it does not cause water pollution and damage the environment.

Factors Influencing WWTP Design

The design of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is influenced by several factors, including:

1. Waste Water Volume

WWTP design is influenced by the volume of wastewater produced because the volume is used to determine the capacity of wastewater treatment units. If the volume of sewage is large, the capacity of the treatment unit must be made large to accommodate it.

2. Wastewater Flow Rate

The velocity of wastewater flow dramatically affects the sedimentation process. The sedimentation process can be optimal if the water flow rate is < 20 m/sec.

3. Availability of Land and Space

The amount of land or space for a wastewater treatment plant is determined by several factors: the volume of wastewater that must be treated and the level and variety of wastewater pollution materials.

4. Cost Availability

Construction of ponds, operations, and maintenance of WWTP requires a lot of money, and the amount depends on the technology and equipment used.

Also Read: This Is the Best Water Color for Vannamei Shrimp Pond

Vannamei Shrimp Cultivation Makes More Profits with DELOS

That is the importance of WWTP (Wastewater Treatment Installation) in vannamei shrimp cultivation. In each cultivation, pollutant levels depend on the length of maintenance, the stocking density of vannamei shrimp, the substrate in the pond, and pond construction.

The importance of WWTP is indeed a severe problem, especially for shrimp ponds with high stocking densities. However, not all fish farmers understand everything about WWTP.

To make it easier for you to cultivate vannamei shrimp, including regarding WWTP, DELOS offers Farm Management to manage the shrimp ponds you have. DELOS is the best science, technology, and operational management-based aqua-tech company that can help your vannamei shrimp farming succeed.

DELOS Farm Management is also integrated with the AquaHero application, making it easy for every farm owner and personnel to monitor their shrimp ponds daily.

Also, DELOS has an integrated supply chain program, DELOS AquaLink, which can help you get and sell pond products at the best price and quality.

Contact the DELOS Team via contact@delosaqua.com or submit your questions about vannamei shrimp farming through our website contact column at www.delosaqua.com. Succeed in vannamei shrimp farming with DELOS!