UPSC Prelims 2023 Question:

With reference to the role of biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture System consider the following statements

1. Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed.
2. Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate.
3. Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water.
   
   

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Learn more about the role of Biofilters in recirculating aquaculture system in the given explanation below.

Explanation:

Biofilters play a crucial role in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). RAS are systems that reuse water by treating it to remove waste products. Biofilters are a type of filtration system that uses beneficial bacteria to break down and remove harmful waste products from the water.

Role of Biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture System

• Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed.
  • Biofilters in a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) help in waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed and other organic matter from the water. The biofilter media provide a surface for beneficial bacteria to grow, which help in breaking down and removing these wastes. So, statement 1 is correct. 
• Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate.
  • One of the primary functions of biofilters in a RAS is to convert toxic ammonia (produced from fish waste) into less harmful nitrate. Beneficial bacteria in the biofilter media perform nitrification, a process where ammonia is first converted to nitrite and then further converted to nitrate. So, statement 2 is correct. 
• Biofilters do not increase phosphorus as a nutrient for fish in the water.
  • Their primary role is to remove wastes and convert ammonia to nitrate. Phosphorus levels in the water are managed through other means, such as fish feed formulation and water quality management. So, statement 3 is not correct.
    
    

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

Subject: Science & Technology | Miscellaneous(s&t)