NICO Nanobubbles, a developer of advanced nanobubble-based water treatment technologies, has reported promising results from aquaculture oxygenation trials conducted at a shrimp culture facility in Tamil Nadu, India.
The study demonstrated that an optimized nanobubble-only oxygenation system achieved dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations of up to 15.3 milligrams per litre (mg/L), compared with approximately 5–6 mg/L recorded under conventional or hybrid aeration conditions.

The findings highlight the potential of nanobubble technology to improve oxygen delivery efficiency and system stability in aquaculture operations, including applications relevant to recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).

Addressing Oxygen Management Challenges in Shrimp Aquaculture

Maintaining adequate and consistent dissolved oxygen levels is a critical operational requirement in commercial shrimp farming.
Conventional aeration methods, including blowers, diffusers, and paddle wheels, are widely used to introduce oxygen into culture water. However, fluctuations in dissolved oxygen levels, uneven oxygen distribution, and oxygen losses can create challenges for aquaculture operators.

These challenges become particularly relevant in intensive aquaculture environments where reliable oxygen availability is essential.
To investigate alternative oxygenation approaches, NICO conducted comparative trials at a facility comprising multiple high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-lined culture tanks, each with a capacity of approximately 1,000 cubic metres.

The study evaluated how different aeration configurations influenced dissolved oxygen performance, retention, and distribution.

Comparing Conventional Aeration with Nanobubble Technology

The study examined two operating configurations.

Phase 1: Hybrid Oxygenation System

NICO's nanobubble technology was integrated with conventional aeration equipment, including diffusers and paddle wheels.
The trials revealed that conventional aeration equipment could interfere with nanobubble stability, reducing oxygen retention and limiting the full benefits of nanobubble-based oxygenation.

Phase 2: Optimized Nanobubble-Only System

The system was subsequently operated using nanobubble oxygenation without simultaneous conventional aeration.
Under optimized clean-water trial conditions, the system demonstrated improved dissolved oxygen stability and distribution, with peak dissolved oxygen concentrations reaching 15.3 mg/L.

This distinction highlighted the importance of appropriate system configuration when integrating advanced oxygenation technologies into aquaculture infrastructure.

Key Findings Demonstrate Improved Oxygenation Performance

According to NICO's published case study, the optimized nanobubble-only configuration delivered several important performance improvements:

Dissolved oxygen concentrations reached up to 15.3 mg/L, compared with approximately 5–6 mg/L in conventional or hybrid configurations.

Oxygen retention improved, with more sustained dissolved oxygen availability.

Oxygen distribution became more uniform throughout the culture tank.

Dissolved oxygen stability improved, reducing fluctuations observed under other operating configurations.

Dependence on continuous conventional aeration was reduced, suggesting opportunities to optimize oxygenation operations.
System configuration emerged as a critical factor in achieving effective nanobubble performance.

The results relate to oxygenation performance during the evaluated trials. Additional assessments under stocked shrimp farming conditions would be required to quantify effects on shrimp growth, survival, production yield, or actual energy consumption.

Implications for Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

As aquaculture operations explore more efficient water management and production technologies, oxygen delivery remains an important area of innovation.

Recirculating aquaculture systems depend on carefully managed water quality, making reliable oxygen availability essential to overall system performance.

Nanobubble technology offers an alternative approach to conventional oxygenation by generating ultra-fine bubbles smaller than 200 nanometers.

Their small size and suspension characteristics can support oxygen transfer and more uniform distribution within water systems.

The Tamil Nadu study indicates that properly configured nanobubble oxygenation could contribute to improved oxygen management in intensive aquaculture and RAS applications.

It also demonstrates that simply adding nanobubble technology to an existing aeration system may not deliver optimal results. System engineering, water conditions, and operating configurations must be carefully evaluated to achieve the desired performance.

Advancing Sustainable Aquaculture Through Technology

Aquaculture producers are increasingly seeking solutions that enhance operational reliability while improving water management and resource efficiency.

NICO's study provides practical insights into the relationship between oxygenation technology, aeration system configuration, and dissolved oxygen performance.

The findings suggest opportunities for future commercial evaluations of nanobubble oxygenation in shrimp culture facilities, intensive fish farming, and recirculating aquaculture operations.

By focusing on oxygen transfer efficiency and system design optimization, NICO aims to support the development of more efficient and sustainable aquaculture infrastructure.

About NICO Nanobubbles

NICO (Nanobubble India Co.) develops advanced nanobubble generation and water treatment technologies for agriculture, aquaculture, wastewater treatment, environmental restoration, and industrial applications.

The company's technology focuses on improving oxygen transfer, water quality management, and process efficiency across commercial and environmental applications.

NICO and IOTA WATER operate under IOTA Group Co., a platform for advanced water and sustainability solutions.

Read the complete case study:

https://www.niconanobubbles.com/shrimp-aquaculture-ras-optimization.php

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