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Role of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in the generation and removal of microplastics and additives chemicals
Summary
Researchers examined recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) infrastructure as a source of microplastics, building a polymer and additive reference library from known plastic components to identify and quantify microplastic generation and removal within aquaculture facility water treatment processes.
The proliferation of microplastics in the environment has seen investigation into sources and mechanisms for their generation. The fisheries and aquaculture sector has been pin-pointed as a contributor to the global burden of plastic, although the proportional representation of activities appear to vary by industry, region, and fisheries intensity. To understand the generation of microplastics within recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) infrastructure, we collected samples of known plastic sources to identify their polymer and additive contents and build a reference library. This was used for targeted analysis when investigating the presence of microplastics and additives within RAS facilities, specifically looking at intake water, recirculating water, sludge, fish, and fish feed. Analysis showed low levels of contaminants but identified several potential sources of microplastics, including plastic infrastructure and consumables. There were low numbers of microplastics ¿300 µm in RAS samples. Comparatively, particle analysis of the smaller size fraction (50-300µm) suggests some degree of microplastic generation within the RAS. Potential sources originating from the RAS infrastructure were identified as the fix bed bioreactor (FBBR) and moving bed bioreactor (MBBR), and biomedia. Initial analysis of fish tissue and stomachs showed low levels of microplastic. Screening for additives identified that several plastic-related chemicals were ubiquitous in RAS recirculating waters, including selected antioxidants and plasticisers. The source and distribution of these chemicals was compound specific. Fewer chemicals were quantified in sludge and fish compared with water. Specific compounds including antioxidants and plasticisers were consistently found in fish. This study has highlighted the need to further investigate the life cycle of microplastics and their associated chemicals from generation, removal and consequential re-introduction to terrestrial and aquatic systems. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/557380/document
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