Effects Of Biofloc Technology On Fish Growth And Water Quality

Abstract

Biofloc Technology has emerged as one of the most promising sustainable aquaculture systems for enhancing fish production while maintaining optimal water quality through efficient microbial nutrient recycling. The technology is based on the manipulation of the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, which promotes the proliferation of heterotrophic microorganisms capable of converting toxic nitrogenous wastes into protein-rich microbial biomass known as bioflocs. These bioflocs function both as biological filters and as a natural supplementary feed containing proteins, essential amino acids, lipids, vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and bioactive compounds. This review critically evaluates the effects of Biofloc Technology on fish growth performance and water quality by synthesizing findings from published scientific literature. The reviewed evidence demonstrates that BFT significantly improves final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio, protein utilization, digestive enzyme activity, immune response, disease resistance, and survival rate in several commercially important aquatic species, including Nile tilapia, common carp, African catfish, Pacific white shrimp, and freshwater prawns. Furthermore, Biofloc Technology effectively enhances water quality by reducing ammonia, nitrite, and organic waste accumulation while maintaining stable pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, and microbial balance through continuous nutrient recycling. The system also minimizes water exchange requirements, conserves freshwater resources, decreases nutrient-rich effluent discharge, lowers feed costs, and reduces the environmental impact of intensive aquaculture. Despite its considerable biological, environmental, and economic advantages, successful implementation of BFT requires continuous aeration, careful management of the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, regular monitoring of water quality, and technical expertise. Future research should focus on microbial community optimization, cost-effective carbon sources, artificial intelligence (AI)-based water quality monitoring, integration with recirculating aquaculture systems and aquaponics, and long-term commercial-scale evaluation to improve production efficiency and sustainability. Overall, the available scientific evidence indicates that Biofloc Technology represents an environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and highly effective aquaculture production system capable of improving fish growth performance, maintaining superior water quality, and supporting global food security.