The Importance of Flocculating Agents in Biofloc Aquaculture System: New Flocculants and Their Performance on Water Quality, Sludge Production, Heavy Metals, and Microplastic

Abstract Biofloc technology (BFT) is a promising new approach that has the potential to balance the needs of increased fish food production and sustainable aquaculture. Of late, there has been growing research on BFT and several reviews have been published that highlight the benefits of this technology. Studies focused on topics, including nitrogen recycling, carbon source selection, probiotics, species selection, stocking, and biofloc-based coupled models. However, the scope of research on BFT is expanding, and it is important to examine the latest findings to identify the future course of action. A recent literature search identified the use of novel flocculating agents in the BFT. The use of novel flocculating agents (such as chitosan) is a new approach to improving water quality in BFT systems. These advances include the development of new flocculants and the development of new biofloc-based feeds and supplements. The benefits of good flocculants in the BFT are as follows, i) improved floc formation, ii) improved water quality and reduced sludge production, iii) removal of heavy metals, iiii) microplastic degradation, and iiiii) improved fish and shrimp growth performance. In this review, the importance of flocculating compounds in the biofloc system are discussed.