Objectives

VicInAqua specific objectives

1. Development and screening of novel self-cleaning membranes.
2. Set-up of a small technical MBR using novel self-cleaning membranes which will be integrated into a domestic wastewater treatment system (DWTS), a pilot RAS and a fish processing industry. The filter system combines two advantages, high efficiency in degradation of organic compounds and effective particle (down to micrometer scale) and germ filtration.
3. Integrated renewable energy power supply based on photovoltaics and biogas (generated from RAS sludge in combination with bio-waste), which will be integrated to the system for autonomous operation
4. A robust and low-cost real-time sensor system for water management based on wireless network monitoring will be developed and tested, which will contribute to the overall improvement of the aquaculture process.
5. Set-up and pilot trials of an autonomous MBR for DWTS, RAS and fish process industry with integrated renewable energy power supply and smart sensor system.
6. All R&D steps will be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment and socio-economic studies in order to ensure affordability, sustainability and environmental friendliness. Studies on scalability of a marketable integrated RAS based on findings of the pilot trials will be also conducted.
7. Awareness raising, capacity building and knowledge transfer among local population (aquaculture operators, stakeholders and scientific community).
8. Foster gender equality and better integration of women in aquaculture activities.