Biofloc Technology (BFT): An Effective Tool for Remediation of Environmental Issues and Cost Effective Novel Technology in Aquaculture

The importance of biofloc technology in aquaculture as an effective bioremediation tool for environmental problems, means of poverty alleviation and meeting food security in the coming years is discussed. Biofloc technology (BFT) can be effective in replacing costly feed aquaculture with simultaneous environmental amelioration with no additional cost. Besides biofloc system became more economic as it operated under zero water exchange system thereby reducing cost of water exchange. BFT is known to prevent the accumulation of toxic nitrogen metabolites (NH3, NO2-, etc.) by stimulating and manipulating the carbon/nitrogen ratio (C/N) and converting these metabolites to microbial flocs. The presence of diverse group of bacteria especially, Bacillus sp. and Lactobacillus sp. indicate that biofloc can be considered as a source of potential probiotics besides acting as valuable protein inputs. BFT is an economical alternative for use in decreasing the commercial diets of fish in fish ponds, while simultaneously reducing potential environmental problems. Consumption of macro aggregates can increase nitrogen retention from added feed by 7-13%. In this context, BFT has driven opportunities to use alternative diets.