Aquaculture has witnessed rapid growth in Indonesia, significantly contributing to food security and the national economy. However, as the industry expands, challenges related to water quality management have become crucial for stakeholders. Poor water quality can directly impact the health of fish and other aquatic organisms, ultimately affecting aquaculture productivity. For years, chlorine has been a common solution for sterilizing water in aquaculture, but its use is not without its problems.
While chlorine is effective in eliminating harmful microorganisms, this chemical also has significant negative impacts on the environment. Chlorine can leave toxic residues that threaten the balance of aquatic ecosystems, damage natural habitats, and disrupt the health of marine organisms. Moreover, the continuous use of chlorine raises concerns about the accumulation of chemicals in the water, which can affect the quality of fishery products. Therefore, the need for safer and more sustainable solutions has become increasingly urgent.
In response to this challenge, FisTx Indonesia presents an innovation called Baskara UV. This technology utilizes ultraviolet (UV) light as a replacement for chlorine in water treatment, offering a solution that is not only effective but also more environmentally friendly. Baskara UV is designed to sterilize water without leaving behind harmful chemical residues, thereby maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem and supporting the sustainability of the aquaculture industry in Indonesia.
This innovation emerges amidst a growing awareness of the importance of environmental protection and the search for safer technological alternatives for aquatic organisms. By replacing toxic chlorine, FisTx Indonesia's UV technology provides a more suitable solution to address the challenges of water quality management in the aquaculture sector.
FisTx Indonesia has successfully developed and implemented Baskara UV in various aquaculture projects across Indonesia. According to the CEO of FisTx Indonesia, Rois Mubarok, this technology has been utilized in several regions, including Bangka Belitung, Lampung, Tegal, Yogyakarta, Pacitan, Bali, Sumbawa, Barru, and Parigi. Its presence brings fresh air to the aquaculture industry, which has long relied on less environmentally friendly conventional methods.
Distribution of Baskara UV implementation
"The implementation of Baskara UV has demonstrated a significant improvement in the health and productivity of fish and other aquatic organisms," said Rois in a written statement received by Tempo on Friday, July 19, 2024. Furthermore, he mentioned that this technology is a new solution that is not only safer but also more efficient compared to the use of chlorine.
The challenge of chlorine in water management
Chlorine, a chemical long relied upon by the aquaculture industry for water sterilization, primarily functions to kill pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause diseases in fish and other aquatic organisms. The use of chlorine in aquaculture has proven quite effective in controlling the growth of harmful microbes, leading many farmers to use it routinely to maintain fish health and ensure stable production.
However, the use of chlorine is not without various risks that can have negative impacts, both on water quality and the organisms living in it. Chlorine has a relatively harsh chemical nature and can leave harmful residues in the water. These chemical residues, if continuously accumulated, can affect the health of fish and other aquatic organisms, causing stress that hinders their growth. Moreover, chlorine residues released into the surrounding aquatic environment can also pollute the natural ecosystem, causing damage to aquatic flora and fauna and disrupting the existing natural balance.
In addition to the direct impact on aquatic organisms, chlorine also has undesirable effects on the physical and chemical properties of water. Chlorine use can alter the pH of the water, making it more acidic or alkaline, which can harm the natural habitat for fish and other organisms. Furthermore, the taste and color of the water can also change due to chlorine use, ultimately reducing the quality of the living environment for fish and decreasing aquaculture productivity. These impacts have made the use of chlorine in aquaculture increasingly questioned, prompting industry players to seek safer and more sustainable alternatives.
What is UV technology and its advantages? Can it be an alternative solution?
This is where UV technology comes in as a safer and more efficient alternative solution. UV technology utilizes ultraviolet light with specific wavelengths, between 200-270 nm, to inactivate pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This process works by damaging the DNA of microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing and infecting other aquatic organisms.
Baskara UV developed by FisTx as a chlorine replacement technology: FisTx Indonesia
According to Rois, the main advantage of UV technology is its ability to sterilize water without leaving harmful chemical residues. "This process is very effective without requiring additional chemical substances, so it leaves no harmful residues in the water," he explained. This is certainly a plus for UV technology, especially in the context of aquaculture, which is highly dependent on water quality.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, Baskara UV technology from FisTx Indonesia offers various advantages that make it a superior choice compared to conventional water sterilization methods like chlorine. One of its key advantages is its ability to not alter the physical or chemical properties of water. UV technology works by sterilizing water through exposure to ultraviolet light, which inactivates microorganisms without causing changes in pH, taste, or color of the water. In aquaculture, maintaining the natural balance of water is crucial for the health of fish and other aquatic organisms.
Unlike chlorine, which often alters water composition and leaves harmful residues, Baskara UV leaves no chemical traces. This process keeps the water pure and safe for aquatic organisms, promoting a healthier and more stable ecosystem. Fish and other organisms can grow optimally in an environment free from toxic chemicals, reducing the risk of stress and health problems caused by changes in water quality. The balance of physical and chemical properties of water is an essential factor that makes UV technology increasingly popular in the aquaculture industry, especially for farmers focused on quality yields and environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, another advantage of Baskara UV is the cost efficiency of its operation. The system is designed with simple technology, easy installation, and practical operation. According to Rois Mubarok, CEO of FisTx Indonesia, this technology does not require the continuous purchase of chemicals, as is the case with chlorine. This is certainly a significant benefit for farmers looking to reduce long-term operating costs. Without the need to purchase additional chemicals, aquaculture practitioners can focus more on production efficiency and increase their profit margins.
Application of UV Technology in Aquaculture
Baskara UV technology holds immense potential for application across various segments of the aquaculture industry, spanning from hatchery and grow-out phases to wastewater treatment. Its key advantage, the ability to effectively sterilize water without altering its chemical properties, makes this technology highly versatile for use in diverse conditions and requirements. The improved water quality resulting from UV technology implementation directly impacts the health of fish and other aquatic organisms, thus enhancing overall aquaculture productivity. With this technology, farmers have access to a safer and more environmentally friendly solution compared to conventional chemical-based methods.
In the hatchery phase, clean water free from pathogenic microorganisms is crucial to ensure the success of the process. Newly hatched fish larvae are highly susceptible to diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites present in the water. By utilizing UV technology, farmers can minimize the risk of water contamination and create a safer environment for the fish larvae. This will increase the survival rate of the larvae, accelerate growth, and reduce the need for medications or antibiotics often used for disease prevention.
Furthermore, during the fish grow-out phase, Baskara UV can also be relied upon to maintain water quality in rearing ponds. Well-maintained water quality is essential to ensure optimal fish growth without disease interference. UV technology works by destroying harmful pathogens, allowing fish to grow healthier and increasing aquaculture production yields. Additionally, this technology can be applied to wastewater treatment in aquaculture. Untreated wastewater can become a source of environmental contamination, containing harmful microorganisms that can pollute natural waters. With UV technology, wastewater can be safely treated before discharge, thus keeping the aquatic environment clean and free from hazardous pollutants.
