With reference the role of biofilters in recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements:
1. Biofilers provides 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?
This questions was previously asked in
UPSC CSP Previous Year Paper (2023)
Only two
Incorrect AnswerAll three
Incorrect AnswerExplanation:
Biofilters do not remove uneaten fish feed. The physical removal of solids such as uneaten feed is typically accomplished through mechanical filtration, not biofiltration. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate through a process known as nitrification. This is achieved by the action of nitrifying bacteria. Thus, this statement is correct.
Biofilters do not increase phosphorus as a nutrient for fish in the water. Phosphorus is typically managed through other means in aquaculture systems, as it can lead to algal blooms if concentrations become too high. Biofilters are primarily concerned with nitrogenous waste (ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate). Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
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By: Parvesh Mehta