Research investigates integrating aquaculture and water reuse
The London Utility Commission and Kentucky State University's Division of Aquaculture are collaborating on a project to integrate aquaculture “As the value of water is recognized, it makes sense to develop methods that take greater advantage of existing resources to grow fish for food and recreation,” Semmens says.
and water reuse at the Water Resource Recovery Facility in London, Ky. This project takes advantage of decommissioned facilities, a secure location, treated water discharged from the plant, and other components of the facility to grow fish. It will develop management practices and serve as a demonstration providing a focus for educational programs on aquaculture for the next three years. KSU aquaculture investigators have conducted research across central Kentucky on fish grown in water discharged from wastewater treatment plants in Winchester, Frankfort, Midway, and London. Paddlefish, hybrid striped bass, channel catfish, colorful koi carp, tilapia, and largemouth bass survive and grow well in these systems.
This is part of the research work of Dr. Ken Semmens, assistant professor in aquaculture in KSU's College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems. Dr. Semmens seeks to address production and marketing issues facing the aquaculture industry, especially for small farmers in Kentucky and the surrounding region. He conducts research on the use of domestic wastewater for aquaculture production, response of fish in holding systems associated with the sale of live food fish, floating raceways, and the culture of paddlefish. “As the value of water is recognized, it makes sense to develop methods that take greater advantage of existing resources to grow fish for food and recreation,” Semmens says.
By using decommissioned water treatment facilities and retrofitting them for aquaculture, municipalities may avoid demolition costs, create new jobs, and generate revenue for their communities. Most of the new water resource recovery facilities are being built adjacent to the old and would conveniently allow reclaimed water to be used for aquaculture. Using reclaimed water can be considered a non-consumptive way to reuse water because the aquaculture effluent is returned to the treatment process.
Dr. Ken Semmens, Assistant Professor in Aquaculture