"EC4RAS: A Proven N₂O-Free Electrochemical Solution for Sustainable Aquaculture, Providing Carbon Offsets to Combat Climate Change and Water Pollution Prevention for a Healthier Environment"
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM: The aquaculture industry faces critical challenges related to water pollution and inefficiencies in pond operations. Hence indoor land based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are promoted. Traditional RAS rely on biofilters to manage waste and maintain water quality, but these systems are plagued by several issues as given. Inefficient Biofilters: Conventional biofilters are sensitive to environmental changes and fluctuations in bacterial colonization, which can lead to inadequate removal of harmful substances like nitrates. This inefficiency often results in toxic nitrate accumulation, harming aquatic species. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The denitrification process required in these biofilters generates nitrous oxide (N₂O), a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 298 times greater than CO₂. This contributes significantly to climate change. Increased Operational Demands: Biofilter-based systems raise total oxygen demand by 20-30% and CO₂ output due to bacterial activity. This necessitates larger degassing and oxygenation equipment, which is both costly and space-consuming. Maintenance and Disease Risks: Biofilters are prone to clogging, frequent maintenance, and can host pathogens and off-flavor-producing bacteria, compromising water quality and operational efficiency. IMPLEMENTED SOLUTION: Our innovation, EC4RAS, directly addresses these issues with a novel approach to wastewater treatment in RAS. The key components of our solution include the following. Electrochemical Ammonia Oxidation: EC4RAS utilizes an advanced electrochemical process to convert ammonia directly into nitrogen gas in a single pass, eliminating the need for traditional biofilters. This process is highly efficient and does not produce nitrous oxide, thus significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Improved Water Quality: By removing ammonia and disinfecting the water, EC4RAS enhances water quality and prevents off-flavours without relying on microbial processes. This also reduces the total oxygen demand and CO₂ output associated with bacterial activity. Operational Efficiency: The modular, scalable design of EC4RAS is IoT-enabled, allowing for real-time monitoring and control. This reduces the need for frequent maintenance, lowers operational costs, and minimizes space requirements compared to traditional systems. Sustainability and Productivity: EC4RAS increases aquaculture production by 30%, while simultaneously decreasing land, water, and carbon footprints. This aligns with global environmental goals and offers a climate-resilient solution to the challenges faced by traditional RAS systems. In summary, EC4RAS represents a transformative approach to sustainable aquaculture, effectively addressing the pressing issues of water pollution, operational inefficiencies, and climate impact associated with conventional RAS systems.
Climate And Environmental Technologies
Technologies for the healthy environment
From January 2025
ECKLIEN4RAS currently operates in India, focusing on addressing water pollution challenges and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices. With significant potential for global expansion, the company is actively exploring opportunities in Asia, Europe, North America, and Middle Eastern countries. The innovative EC4RAS system, with its advanced electrochemical wastewater treatment technology, is well-positioned to drive sustainability and tackle environmental challenges across these key regions. Through strategic growth, ECKLIEN4RAS aims to make a global impact by providing efficient, eco-friendly solutions to aquaculture value chain operators worldwide.
The EC4RAS system provides significant competitive advantages over traditional biofilter-based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), positioning it as a leader in sustainable aquaculture. Innovative Electrochemical Process: EC4RAS replaces the biological filtration used in traditional RAS with a streamlined electrochemical process that directly oxidizes ammonia into nitrogen gas (N₂), eliminating the need for biofilters and denitrification stages. This reduces harmful byproducts like nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent green house gas and enhances efficiency. Single-Pass System: Unlike multi-stage systems, EC4RAS operates on a single-pass basis, removing solids, ammonia, pathogens, and off-flavors in one step. This simplifies operations and minimizes the need for multiple components, reducing system complexity and increasing efficiency. Increased Productivity: EC4RAS delivers up to 15 times the productivity of pond-based systems, compared to 10 times for generic RAS. This increase is critical for meeting the global demand for seafood while optimizing resource use and sustainability. Stable and Efficient Performance: The system is electronically controlled, ensuring stability across various environmental conditions, including warm and cold water operations. This contrasts with the fluctuating performance often seen in traditional RAS. Environmentally Friendly and Carbon Efficient: EC4RAS avoids harmful greenhouse gas emissions like N₂O, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Its smaller land, water, and carbon demands make it ideal for sustainable aquaculture. Reduced Equipment Complexity and Maintenance: With a single containerized apparatus, EC4RAS reduces equipment complexity and space requirements. Fewer moving parts and no biofilters mean lower maintenance costs and reduced downtime. Enhanced Biosecurity: The system eliminates OIE-listed viruses affecting shrimp, improving biosecurity and reducing the risk of disease outbreaks. Cost Parity and Automation: EC4RAS is priced competitively with traditional RAS and is fully automated with IoT-enabled real-time monitoring, reducing human intervention and labor costs. Limited Direct Competition: In India, EC4RAS faces minimal competition, with no equivalent products. Globally, while players like ELOXIRAS (Spain) and BIOFISHENCY (Israel) operate in similar areas, EC4RAS's innovative approach sets it apart. EC4RAS’s unique combination of advanced technology, efficiency, N2O free and sustainability makes it a top contender for the BRICS Solution Awards in "Technologies for the Healthy Environment."
Awards and Recognitions 2024 - Private: Honored with the "Innovative Aquaculture Technology Advancement Award" at "Spice Up TN" by Sathak Innovation and Incubation Foundation, Chennai, April 6, 2024. 2024 - Public: ECKLIEN4RAS was a finalist in the Global Ocean Community Challenge at the Oceanovation Festival, The Hague, June 20, 2024. Participating in the acceleration program from October 2024 – January 2025. 2024 - Public: Received the "Innovation - Farming Method" special mention award from Startup TN in "Fish Tank - India's Grand Aquaculture Challenge." 2024 - Private: Shortlisted by Silicon India Startup City as one of the "10 Best Deep Tech Startups - 2024."
Scientific Works: Leskovec, M. "Is it time to look beyond traditional biofilters in RAS?" The Fish Site. Ben‐Asher, R., Gendel, Y., & Lahav, O. "Electrochemical applications in RAS: A review." Reviews in Aquaculture. Golfand, I. "Economics of growing salmon in RAS." Journal of Aquaculture & Marine Biology, 12(2), 99‒102. Ahmed, N., & Turchini, G. M. "Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS): Environmental solution and climate change adaptation." Journal of Cleaner Production, 297, 126604. Intellectual Property (IP): We’re finalizing our patent for EC4RAS, featuring a novel electrochemical process, expected soon to secure our innovative approach to water quality and sustainability in RAS.
