Shellfish Breeding and Hatchery Management (2+1)

Principle 

The basic principle involved in the biofilteration method is the nitrification of ammonia to nitrites and further to nitrates, which is non-toxic form. This is carried out by the bacteria like Nitrosomonasand Nitrobacter. These bacteria, as they are chemoautotrophs, use CO₂ and SO₂ and convert them to carbonates and sulfates.

NH₃ + O₂$$\rightarrow$$ NO₂^- + 3H⁺ + 2e^-

NO₂ + H₂O$$\rightarrow$$ NO₃^-+ 2 H⁺ + 2 e^-

CO₂ + O₂$$\rightarrow$$ CO3^2-

SO₂ + O₂ $$\rightarrow$$SO4^2-