Water quality optimization feeding all-in-one machine in aquaculture
By using the algae and bacteria fixed chamber and Venturi aeration device of the integrated water quality optimization and feeding machine, combined with automatic adjustment of feed feeding and water quality monitoring, the problems of low water quality optimization and feeding efficiency in aquaculture have been solved, achieving efficient water purification and feeding effects.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- XI'AN UNIVERSITY OF ARCHITECTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
Current aquaculture methods for water quality optimization are limited, resulting in low feeding efficiency, low feed carrying capacity, and traditional feeding devices that need to be fixed on the shore, making them difficult to apply to large-scale fish ponds. Furthermore, they cannot effectively remove nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants.
The system employs an integrated water quality optimization feeding machine, combining an algae and bacteria fixed chamber and a Venturi aeration device. It purifies the water through algae and bacteria biofilm, generates micro-nano bubbles for oxygenation using Venturi aeration, and automatically adjusts the feed amount and monitors the water quality through a control computer, preventing fish from gathering and improving feeding efficiency.
It achieves efficient water purification, reduces energy consumption, improves feeding efficiency, reduces feed waste, increases stocking density, effectively removes pollutants from the water, and ensures the healthy growth of fish.
Smart Images

Figure CN119278894B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of water purification technology, specifically to an integrated machine for optimizing water quality and feeding in aquaculture. Background Technology
[0002] Oxygen is essential for the survival of most biological communities in aquaculture pond ecosystems. Insufficient oxygen supply makes it difficult for farmed organisms, zooplankton, and phytoplankton to breathe, and the electrochemical reactions of anaerobic microorganisms decomposing organic matter produce harmful substances, leading to adverse or even fatal effects. As Chinese aquaculture gradually develops towards high-density, high-yield intensive and factory-style production, dissolved oxygen is one of the most important factors affecting aquaculture yields.
[0003] According to data from the "2023 Ecological Environment Quality Bulletin," the main indicators affecting the water environment quality of my country's fisheries are nitrogen and phosphorus. However, current aquaculture practices often rely solely on aeration methods for pond and lake treatment, which are insufficient to remove nitrogen and phosphorus. Chinese patent CN115843737A discloses a semi-suspended, automatically moving pond purification and oxygenation device that uses an oxygenation head inserted into the water. However, this pond purification and oxygenation device has low oxygenation efficiency, the oxygenation head is easily clogged, and it cannot effectively remove nitrogen and phosphorus from the water.
[0004] Meanwhile, the method of purifying water using biofilms based on non-algae microorganisms is difficult to apply to mobile water treatment equipment due to the need for oxygenation and the large volume of backwashing components.
[0005] Meanwhile, aquaculture, especially fish farming, often employs high-density stocking to ensure profitability, meaning as many fish fry as possible are released per unit area. Due to the high fry density and the fish's natural tendency to compete for food, feeding at a single point causes the fry to huddle together, easily leading to oxygen depletion. Furthermore, overfeeding not only increases feed costs but also raises nutrient levels in the water, particularly total nitrogen and turbidity, which severely reduce aquaculture yields. Therefore, scientific feeding is key to mastering the science of aquaculture and a crucial factor in further improving the economic benefits for fish farmers.
[0006] Chinese patent publication number CN221044045U discloses a feeding device for aquaculture. The feeding device for aquaculture includes a conveying fan, a venturi tube, a feeding tank, and a disperser. The disperser is a centrifuge, which disperses and sprays the feed conveyed by the venturi tube into the fishpond.
[0007] However, the aforementioned aquaculture feeding devices still need to be fixed to the shore. When applied to large-scale fishponds, multiple feeding devices need to be built, increasing the cost of feeding. Furthermore, the venturi tubes, conveying fans, and other equipment in these devices need to be placed in the air. Placing these feeding devices on a mobile platform would significantly occupy the platform's volume, reducing the amount of feed that can be carried.
[0008] In view of this, in order to solve the pain points of limited water quality optimization methods, low feeding efficiency, and small feed carrying capacity in fish ponds, this invention proposes an integrated water quality optimization and feeding machine for aquaculture. Summary of the Invention
[0009] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an integrated machine for optimizing water quality and feeding in aquaculture.
[0010] This invention adopts the following technical solution: an integrated feeding machine for optimizing water quality in aquaculture, comprising:
[0011] Machine platform;
[0012] The algae and bacteria fixing chamber is located below the machine platform. The algae and bacteria fixing chamber has a top-rounded structure and a bottom-rounded structure. A bottom fixing plate is fixed at the bottom of the algae and bacteria fixing chamber. The interior of the algae and bacteria fixing chamber contains inclined fiber filaments, on which algae and bacteria fixing small ball packing is strung. Algae and bacteria mixed body is inoculated on the algae and bacteria fixing small ball packing, which will form an algae and bacteria mixed biofilm and have water purification capabilities.
[0013] The Venturi aeration device, located below the algae and bacteria fixing chamber, is used to automatically draw in air and form a vigorous gas-liquid two-phase flow, generating micro-nano bubbles to efficiently oxygenate the water and oxidize pollutants; it can also automatically draw in feed liquid and evenly add feed into the water.
[0014] The propellers, in which multiple propellers are provided and mounted on the machine platform by a steel frame, are used to control the movement of the integrated water quality optimization and feeding machine.
[0015] As a further description of the above technical solution: a water quality probe is installed on the outer wall of the venturi tube and is connected to the control computer via a signal line.
[0016] As a further description of the above technical solution: the Venturi aeration device consists of an inverted Venturi aeration pipe and a water pump. The Venturi aeration pipe has a structure from top to bottom consisting of a diffuser section, a throat, a constriction section, and an inlet section. The inlet section is connected to the water pump. When the water pump is working, it pumps water into the Venturi aeration pipe from bottom to top. There is an opening at the connection between the throat and the constriction section of the Venturi aeration pipe. The opening is connected to an air pipe and a feed pipe.
[0017] As a further description of the above technical solution: the air pipe is an L-shaped pipe, the horizontal end of which is connected to the Venturi aeration pipe, and the top of its vertical section extends outward through the lower fixed plate and the machine platform.
[0018] As a further description of the above technical solution: the machine platform is equipped with a control computer, a storage battery, and a feed bin.
[0019] As a further description of the above technical solution: the feed pipe is an L-shaped pipe, the horizontal end of which is connected to the Venturi aeration pipe, the output end of which passes through the lower fixed plate and is connected to the machine platform and the feed bin, and a valve is provided at the connection between the feed pipe and the feed bin.
[0020] As a further description of the above technical solution: the algae and bacteria fixing chamber is equipped with an outer mesh cover and an inner mesh cover.
[0021] As a further description of the above technical solution: the lower fixed plate has an opening in the center, and a filter screen is installed at the opening to prevent feed from entering the algae fixing chamber while further cutting larger air bubbles to increase the specific surface area of the air bubbles and increase the oxygenation capacity.
[0022] An automatic method for adjusting feed dispensing amount, based on the aforementioned integrated feeding machine for water quality optimization in aquaculture, includes the following steps:
[0023] a) After the boat is launched into the water, the control computer first controls the boat to navigate in the water, collects data through water quality probes, and draws a map of dissolved oxygen, nutrients and fish distribution by analyzing the water quality indicators. Then the control computer starts the water pump to start aeration and feeding.
[0024] b) During the feeding process, the water quality probe will continuously monitor the water quality status and transmit the data to the control computer.
[0025] c) If a decrease in dissolved oxygen and an increase in nutrient levels occur in a certain water area, it indicates that fish are gathering in that water area and the amount of feed given is higher than the amount of food consumed by the fish. At this time, the control computer will mark the current location information, close the feed tank valve, and move the hull to a water area with normal dissolved oxygen levels to feed the fish, thereby attracting the fish to gather at the optimal growth point.
[0026] d) After feeding is completed, the control computer will maneuver the ship back to the water area with low dissolved oxygen levels. The water will be oxygenated through the Venturi aeration system and algae fixation chamber, and excess feed and other pollutants will be adsorbed and degraded to reduce the nutrient level of the water.
[0027] Beneficial effects:
[0028] This invention provides an integrated feeding and water quality optimization device for aquaculture. The device features a simple structure, convenient operation, low energy consumption, and greater flexibility. During use, the output power of different propellers can be adjusted by a control computer to allow free movement in the water. A Venturi aeration device continuously injects air into the oxygen-deficient sections of the water during movement, increasing the oxygen content. By utilizing the co-metabolic mechanism of algae and microorganisms attached to and growing in the algae-bacteria fixation chamber, pollutants in the water are removed more efficiently, reducing the content of organic matter, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. Simultaneously, the oxygen produced by algal photosynthesis can supply the microorganisms for growth. The Venturi aerator reduces energy consumption and purifies water in a green and low-carbon way. By varying the power of the Venturi aerator, different flow rates of gas-liquid two-phase flow are generated, which flushes the aging algae biofilm in the algae-bacteria fixed chamber at regular intervals, maintaining the activity of the algae biofilm. The negative pressure generated by the Venturi tube allows for periodic feeding into the water during movement, thus avoiding the phenomenon of fish gathering due to feeding in specific areas. Water quality monitoring and control by water quality probes and computer calculation and operation reduce feed waste caused by overfeeding, thereby greatly improving the effect and efficiency of feeding and increasing the stocking density. Attached Figure Description
[0029] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:
[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an integrated water quality optimization and feeding machine for aquaculture provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the machine platform provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the algae and bacteria fixation chamber provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the Venturi aeration device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] In the diagram: 1. Machine platform; 2. Algae and bacteria fixing chamber; 3. Venturi aeration device; 4. Control computer; 5. Storage battery; 6. Feed bin; 7. Valve; 8. Propeller; 9. Outer mesh cover; 10. Inner mesh cover; 11. Lower fixing plate; 12. Filter screen; 13. Fiber filaments; 14. Algae and bacteria fixing ball packing; 15. Venturi aeration pipe; 16. Air pipe; 17. Feed pipe; 18. Water pump; 19. Water quality probe. Detailed Implementation
[0035] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives, and effects of this invention readily understandable, the invention is further described below with reference to specific illustrations. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.
[0036] Example 1
[0037] Please see Figures 1-4 This invention provides a technical solution: an integrated feeding machine for optimizing water quality in aquaculture, comprising...
[0038] Machine Platform 1:
[0039] The algae and bacteria fixing chamber 2 is designed to purify water pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus using algae and bacteria within it. It is located below the machine platform 1 and has a top-bottom circular structure. A lower fixing plate 11 is fixed to the lower end of the chamber. Inside the chamber are inclined fiber filaments 13. The inclined design increases the time and intensity of sunlight exposure for the algae. Algae and bacteria fixing pellet packing 14 is strung on the fiber filaments 13, and the packing 14 is inoculated with an algae and bacteria mixture, forming an algae and bacteria biofilm that purifies the water. One end of the fiber filament 13 is connected to the machine platform 1, and the other end is connected to the lower fixing plate 11, on which the algae and bacteria fixing pellet packing 14 is strung to fix the algae and bacteria mixture.
[0040] The Venturi aeration device 3 is located below the algae and bacteria fixing chamber 2 and is used to generate gas-liquid two-phase flow while uniformly adding feed into the water.
[0041] There are multiple thrusters 8, and these thrusters 8 are fixed on the machine platform 1 by a steel frame. They are used to control the movement of the water quality optimization feeding machine.
[0042] It should be noted that the thrusters 8 are connected to the control computer 4, and the direction and speed of travel are controlled by the difference in output power of multiple thrusters 8.
[0043] The Venturi aeration device 3 consists of an inverted Venturi aeration pipe 15 and a water pump 18. The Venturi aeration pipe 15 has a structure from top to bottom consisting of a diffuser section, a throat, a constriction section, and an inlet section. The inlet section is connected to the water pump 18. When the water pump 18 is working, it pumps water into the Venturi aeration pipe 15 from bottom to top. There is an opening at the connection between the throat and the constriction section of the Venturi aeration pipe 15. The opening is connected to the air pipe 16 and the feed pipe 17.
[0044] The air pipe 16 is an L-shaped pipe, with its horizontal end connected to the Venturi aeration pipe 15, and the top of its vertical section extending outward through the lower fixed plate 11 and the machine platform 1.
[0045] The machine platform 1 is equipped with a control computer 4, a storage battery 5, and a feed bin 6.
[0046] The feed pipe 17 is an L-shaped pipe, with its horizontal end connected to the Venturi aeration pipe 15. The output end of the feed pipe 17 passes through the lower fixed plate 11 and is connected to the machine platform 1 and the feed bin 6. A valve 7 is installed at the connection between the feed pipe 17 and the feed bin 6. Its function is to use the negative pressure generated by the Venturi pipe to transport the feed to the Venturi aeration pipe 15 and mix it with the water.
[0047] It should be noted that the top port of feed silo 6 is equipped with a top cover.
[0048] The algae and bacteria fixing chamber 2 is equipped with an outer mesh cover 9 and an inner mesh cover 10.
[0049] The lower fixed plate 11 has an opening in the center, and a filter screen 12 is installed in the opening to prevent feed from entering the algae fixed chamber 2 while further cutting larger air bubbles to increase the specific surface area of the air bubbles and increase oxygenation capacity.
[0050] The integrated water quality optimization and feeding machine in this aquaculture system is controlled by a computer 4 powered by a battery 5. It can adjust the feed density and location by controlling the feed bin valve 7. The machine's direction and speed can be adjusted by controlling the output power of multiple propellers 8, directing it to designated feeding areas or water areas requiring purification. The water flow velocity within the Venturi aeration pipe 15 can be adjusted by controlling the operating power of the water pump 18, changing the intensity of the negative pressure and obtaining different ratios of air, feed, and water in the three-phase flow at the aeration outlet. Different three-phase flow velocities can also be obtained, thereby adjusting aeration efficiency, algae and bacteria coverage rate, and feed density.
[0051] When this integrated aquaculture water quality optimization feeding machine is used as a feeding device in aquaculture, ensure that the valve 7 between the feed bin 6 and the feed pipe 17 is closed. After the valve 7 is closed, open the top cover of the feed bin 6 and add feed into the feed bin 6. After the feed is added, use the control computer 4 to start the propeller 8 and the water pump 18 respectively. After starting, use the control computer 4 to open the valve 7 between the feed bin 6 and the feed pipe 17, so that the feed in the feed bin 6 moves into the feed pipe 17 under its own gravity and the negative pressure of the Venturi aeration pipe 15. After the feed enters the feed pipe 17, under the negative pressure generated by the water flow, it passes through the throat and diffuser section of the Venturi aeration pipe 15 in sequence and is fully mixed with the water flow before entering the water body. The control computer 4 can adjust the feed density by changing the opening degree of the valve 7.
[0052] After feeding, close valve 7 between feed bin 6 and feed pipe 17 to stop feed from entering feed pipe 17. If aeration is not required after feeding, turn off water pump 18 after valve 7 between feed bin 6 and feed pipe 17 has been closed for a period of time to prevent feed from settling in feed pipe 17.
[0053] When this integrated aquaculture water quality optimization and feeding machine is used for water purification in aquaculture, the battery 5 powers the water pump 18, and the control computer 4 controls the water pump 18 to start working. The water pump 18 pumps the oxygen-deficient water in the middle of the pond to the inlet section of the Venturi aeration pipe 15 from bottom to top. When the water flows through the constriction section and throat of the Venturi aeration pipe 15, negative pressure is generated, which draws air into the throat of the Venturi aeration pipe 15 through the air pipe 16 and mixes it thoroughly with the water. At the same time, the water flow breaks large bubbles into smaller bubbles, increases the specific surface area of the bubbles, and enhances the aeration effect. Furthermore, the water flowing out of the diffuser section of the Venturi aeration pipe 15 passes through the water vortex generated by the water pump 18 and flows back to the water pump 18, where it is pumped into the inlet section of the Venturi aeration pipe 15 for aeration again, and the cycle continues. At the same time, the operating power of the water pump 18 is reduced or increased according to the water quality of different water areas, thereby adjusting the negative pressure generated by the water flow speed adjustment in the Venturi aeration pipe 15, thereby changing the air intake effect, so as to achieve energy saving and intelligent control of aeration effect.
[0054] When this integrated aquaculture water quality optimization and feeding machine is used for water purification in aquaculture, a lower output flow rate should be set for the Venturi aeration pipe 15 initially. This allows the algae and bacteria mixture fixed on the algae and bacteria fixed ball packing 14 in the algae and bacteria fixing chamber 2 to form a biofilm, thus achieving the best water quality optimization effect. After the biofilm forms, the control computer 4 will freely adjust the aeration rate according to the regional water quality. When the biofilm ages, the control computer 4 will automatically increase the output power of the water pump 18 and increase the outflow velocity of the Venturi aeration pipe 15. After the feed is intercepted by the filter screen 12, the gas-liquid two-phase flow flows into the algae and bacteria fixing chamber 2, flushing the biofilm attached to the algae and bacteria fixed ball packing 14. The aged biofilm is peeled off and detached from the algae and bacteria fixing chamber 2 through the outer net cover 9, becoming food for the fish. Subsequently, the control computer 4 will automatically reduce the output power of the water pump 18 and decrease the outflow velocity of the Venturi aeration pipe 15, thereby enabling the algae and bacteria mixture fixed on the algae and bacteria fixed ball packing 14 in the algae and bacteria fixing chamber 2 to form a biofilm, so as to achieve the best water quality optimization effect again. After the biofilm is formed, the control computer 4 will freely adjust the aeration rate according to the regional water quality.
[0055] Example 2
[0056] Please see Figures 1-4 A method for using an integrated water quality optimization and feeding machine in aquaculture, comprising:
[0057] When the integrated feeding machine for water quality optimization in aquaculture is first put into the pond, it is left to stand still in the still water area for 5-7 days to allow algae and bacteria to fully attach to the algae and bacteria fixed ball packing 14, so as to maximize the effect of the algae and bacteria mixture on nitrogen and phosphorus removal in the water.
[0058] Depending on the water quality of the fishpond, the computer 4 can be set to increase the output power of the water pump 18 after a certain number of days (the specific period depends on the water quality of the fishpond) to increase the intensity of the water flow in the Venturi aeration pipe and backwash the biofilm. After the backwashing is completed, the output power of the water pump 18 is reduced again to allow the biofilm to attach.
[0059] Example 3
[0060] This invention provides a technical solution: an automatic feed dispensing method based on an integrated feeding machine for water quality optimization in aquaculture. The method includes the following steps:
[0061] After the vessel is launched into the water, the control computer 4 first controls the vessel to navigate in the water, collects data through the water quality probe 19, and draws a distribution map of dissolved oxygen, nutrients and fish by analyzing the water quality indicators. Then, the control computer 4 starts the water pump 18 to begin aeration and feeding.
[0062] During the feeding process, the water quality probe 19 will continuously monitor the water quality status and transmit the data to the control computer 4.
[0063] c. If the dissolved oxygen level decreases and the nutrient level increases in a certain water area, it indicates that fish are gathering in that water area and the amount of feed given is higher than the amount of food consumed by the fish. At this time, the control computer 4 will mark the current location information, close the feed tank valve 7, and operate the hull to move to a water area with normal dissolved oxygen levels to feed the fish, attracting the fish to gather at the best growth point at all times.
[0064] After feeding is completed, the control computer 4 will maneuver the ship back to the water area with low dissolved oxygen levels. The venturi aeration system and algae fixation chamber will then oxygenate the water and adsorb and degrade excess feed and other pollutants, thereby reducing the nutrient levels in the water.
[0065] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A water quality optimization and feeding integrated machine for aquaculture, characterized in that, include: Machine platform (1); The algae and bacteria fixed chamber (2) is located below the machine platform (1). The algae and bacteria fixed chamber (2) has a top-rounded structure. The lower end of the algae and bacteria fixed chamber (2) is fixed with a lower end fixed plate (11). The interior of the algae and bacteria fixed chamber (2) contains inclined fiber filaments (13). Algae and bacteria fixed ball packing (14) is strung on the fiber filaments (13). Algae and bacteria fixed ball packing (14) is inoculated with algae and bacteria mixture, which will form an algae and bacteria mixed biofilm and have water purification capabilities. The lower end fixing plate (11) has an opening in the center, and a filter screen (12) is installed at the opening to prevent feed from entering the algae fixing chamber (2) while further cutting larger air bubbles to increase the specific surface area of the air bubbles and increase oxygenation capacity. The algae and bacteria fixing chamber (2) is equipped with an outer mesh cover (9) and an inner mesh cover (10). The Venturi aeration device (3) is located below the algae and bacteria fixing chamber (2) and is used to generate gas-liquid two-phase flow while uniformly adding feed into the water, so as to simultaneously purify the water and feed the feed. The Venturi aeration device (3) consists of an inverted Venturi aeration pipe (15) and a water pump (18). The Venturi aeration pipe (15) has a structure from top to bottom consisting of a diffuser section, a throat, a constriction section and an inlet section. The inlet section is connected to the water pump (18). When the water pump (18) is working, it pumps water into the Venturi aeration pipe (15) from bottom to top. There is an opening at the connection between the throat and the constriction section of the Venturi aeration pipe (15). The opening is connected to an air pipe (16) and a feed pipe (17). The propeller (8) is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple propellers (8) are fixed on the machine platform (1) by steel frame, which is used to control the movement of the water quality optimization feeding machine.
2. The integrated feeding and water quality optimization machine for aquaculture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air pipe (16) is an L-shaped pipe, with its horizontal end connected to the Venturi aeration pipe (15), and its vertical section extending outward through the lower end fixing plate (11) and the machine platform (1).
3. The integrated feeding and water quality optimization machine for aquaculture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The machine platform (1) is equipped with a control computer (4), a storage battery (5), and a feed bin (6).
4. The integrated feeding and water quality optimization machine for aquaculture according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a valve (7) and a water quality probe (19). The control computer (4) is connected to the valve (7), the thruster (8), the water pump (18), and the water quality probe (19) through an electronic control system.
5. The integrated feeding and water quality optimization machine for aquaculture according to claim 4, characterized in that, The feed pipe (17) is an L-shaped pipe, with its horizontal end connected to the Venturi aeration pipe (15). The output end of the feed pipe (17) passes through the lower fixed plate (11) and is connected to the machine platform (1) and the feed bin (6). A valve (7) is provided at the connection between the feed pipe (17) and the feed bin (6).
6. A method for automatically adjusting the amount of feed thrown, implemented based on an integrated feeding machine for water quality optimization in aquaculture as described in any one of claims 4-5, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: a) After the boat is launched into the water, the control computer (4) controls the boat to sail in the water, collects data through the water quality probe (19), draws a distribution map of dissolved oxygen, nutrients and fish by analyzing the water quality indicators, and starts the water pump (18) by the control computer (4) to start aeration and feeding. b) During the feeding process, the water quality probe (19) will continuously monitor the water quality status and transmit the data to the control computer (4); c) If the dissolved oxygen level decreases and the nutrient salt level increases in a certain water area, it indicates that the fish in that water area are gathering and the amount of feed given is higher than the amount of food consumed by the fish. At this time, the control computer (4) will mark the current location information and close the feed tank valve (7), and control the hull to move to the water area with normal dissolved oxygen level to feed the fish, attracting the fish to gather at the best growth point at all times. d) After feeding is completed, the control computer (4) will return the ship to the water area with low dissolved oxygen level, and oxygenate the water through the Venturi aeration system and algae fixation chamber, and adsorb and degrade excess feed and other pollutants to reduce the nutrient level of the water.