Applied biotechnology for incremental bioinnovation development and technology transfer in fish production: ecofriendly product and environmental valuation under different climatic conditions

Abstract

Brazil is one of the main global producers of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), with the possibility of significant expansions in this activity. However, the tilapia production chain has raised the challenge for the sustainable growth of aquaculture. Approximately 95% of the effluents from aquaculture come from fish diets and the remains of uneaten feed during feeding. The release of nutrients, especially phosphorus, into the aquatic environment can cause eutrophication, leading to environmental, economic, and financial damages. To improve phosphorus absorption by the animals and reduce environmental impact, the use of exogenous enzymes, such as phytase, has been a promising strategy. Given this scenario, the project will develop an eco-friendly product and environmental valuation service for the fishery agro-industry, applying biotechnology to create a new formulation of nutritionally balanced feed with phytase enzyme microencapsulated using nanotechnology. The aim is to enhance phosphorus utilization and reduce environmental impact resulting from feeding aquatic organisms in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production farms under different climatic conditions. Additionally, we will utilize limnological sensors that enable real-time monitoring of water quality parameters, such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, and phosphorus, which are essential for the process of environmental service valuation. (AU)