Method and apparatus for controlling degree of non-ionized ammonia in aquatic environment

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling the degree of non-ionized ammonia in an aquatic system comprises: a photocatalytic component for exposure to light irradiation; a circulation assembly for circulating water in the aquatic system and enhancing mass transfer; and an aeration assembly for aerating circulating water in the aquatic system to promote aerobic degradation of the degree of non-ionized ammonia; wherein the photocatalysis assembly is used for photodegrading non-ionized ammonia in the aquatic system under light irradiation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the level of unionized ammonia in aquatic environments. In particular, this disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for photocatalytic degradation of unionized ammonia in aquatic environments (such as fish farms). Background Technology

[0002] Global population growth means that aquaculture has become one of the fastest-growing animal food industries, with over 40% of the fish consumed globally currently coming from aquaculture facilities. The benefits of aquaculture include: ensuring food security by providing a vital source of protein to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population; creating employment opportunities, particularly boosting economic development in rural and coastal areas; and promoting conservation by alleviating pressure on wild fish populations and helping to restore natural habitats.

[0003] Traditional fisheries are struggling to keep pace with the growing global population and increasing demand for seafood. They face problems such as overfishing, declining fish stocks, and the destruction of valuable and limited fish populations. Aquaculture offers a sustainable solution by providing a controlled environment for the propagation of diverse aquatic species, thereby protecting marine ecosystems, reducing pressure on wild seafood populations, and meeting global dietary needs.

[0004] Unionized ammonia, derived from fish metabolic waste and the decomposition of organic matter, is a highly toxic pollutant to aquatic organisms, especially fish. This poses a significant challenge to aquaculture, and addressing this issue is crucial for maintaining the health of farmed species and the sustainability of aquaculture systems. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop devices and methods for removing unionized ammonia pollutants from aquatic systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided for controlling the level of unionized ammonia in an aquatic system. The apparatus includes: a photocatalytic component for exposure to light; a circulation component for circulating water in the aquatic system and enhancing mass transfer; and an aeration component for aerating the circulating water in the aquatic system to promote the aerobic degradation of unionized ammonia; wherein the photocatalytic component is used for photodegrading unionized ammonia in the aquatic system under light irradiation. The apparatus can be used, for example, for the degradation of unionized ammonia pollution in aquaculture, such that the concentration of unionized ammonia can be effectively controlled and maintained within a safe preset range. Preferably, the aquatic system is an aquaculture system, such as a fish farm.

[0006] Aquaculture environments, such as fish farms, provide controlled environments for the cultivation of aquatic organisms, such as farmed fish, crustaceans, aquatic plants, and algae. Aquaculture is an important industry and a key component of global food production. The growth and maintenance of global fish farms are essential to meeting the growing demand for seafood and bring many benefits, including supporting a growing global population and promoting resource conservation by reducing pressure on wild fish resources.

[0007] Unionized ammonia is a pollutant and a cause for concern in aquaculture due to its high toxicity to aquatic organisms, especially fish. The apparatus and method described in this disclosure utilize the principles of light irradiation and mass transfer to achieve the photodegradation of unionized ammonia. Under natural conditions, aquatic environments or aquaculture farms have low mobility, low oxygen content, and weak, unstable light intensity, making them unsuitable for photocatalytic aerobic degradation of unionized ammonia. The apparatus and method described in this disclosure are suitable for indoor and outdoor fish farms, including photocatalytic components, circulation components, and aeration components, to naturally enhance the degradation of unionized ammonia, thereby creating a clean and healthy aquaculture environment without the need for chemical removal of this pollutant.

[0008] This device and method utilizes green technology—photocatalysis—for environmental cleanliness without the need for electricity. Natural sunlight excites a light-responsive photocatalytic component to generate oxygen-reducing substances, thereby driving the degradation of unionized ammonia. This technology is easy to deploy, environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and safe—emitting no harmful byproducts.

[0009] The device includes a photocatalytic component. In one exemplary embodiment, the photocatalytic component includes a photocatalytic panel with a titanium dioxide coating. For example, the titanium-based coating is an organic, dense titanium dioxide coating. Most preferably, the titanium-based coating is a titanium dioxide semiconductor film capable of degrading unionized ammonia by light irradiation, generating internal electron-hole pairs, thereby activating oxygen and water on the surface, generating active hydroxyl radicals and other oxide species for the degradation of organic pollutants.

[0010] The photocatalytic component includes a photocatalytic panel with a titanium dioxide coating. The photocatalytic panel is prepared by applying the titanium dioxide coating or a prepared titanium precursor solution to a light-receiving panel using a crosslinking process. This crosslinking process optimizes the spraying and heat treatment to provide a dense and uniform titanium dioxide coating. For example, a titanium dioxide coating or film is prepared by spraying a titanium peroxide composite onto the light-receiving panel. The titanium peroxide-coated panel is then heat-treated, causing the peroxide groups to decompose, thereby transforming the titanium peroxide composite into a Ti-O-Ti linked structure through a crosslinking process, forming a continuous titanium dioxide film. This unique crosslinking process effectively ensures a uniform, dense, tough, and durable coating, thus providing a highly efficient photocatalytic panel.

[0011] In one exemplary embodiment, the light-receiving panel is made of glass, ceramic, or other transparent material. A titanium-based coating is sprayed onto the light-receiving panel and then heat-treated to prepare a photocatalytic panel. This unique cross-linking process forms a high-performance, inorganic, and dense titanium dioxide coating, which exhibits high efficiency in degrading unionized ammonia.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the photocatalytic assembly includes a backing assembly, such as a rigid backing assembly. The backing assembly includes, for example, an organic acrylic sheet, to enhance the rigidity, toughness, and durability of the photocatalytic panel and help prevent brittle fracture of the photocatalytic panel.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, the photocatalytic assembly includes a single-layer photocatalytic panel attached to a backing assembly. In another embodiment, the photocatalytic assembly includes two photocatalytic panels attached to a backing assembly.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the photocatalytic component includes a light source. The photocatalytic panel includes, for example, an LED light source and a solar cell. For example, the LED light source is a solar-powered LED light source. This light source advantageously extends the photodegradation time to 24 hours and enhances the photocatalytic component's ability to effectively remove unionized ammonia over a longer period.

[0015] In another exemplary embodiment, the device further includes a control unit; wherein the photocatalytic component includes a solar LED light source, and the control unit is configured to adjust the solar LED irradiation based on ambient light conditions. In one exemplary embodiment, the control unit is capable of automatically switching the LED light source on and off according to the intensity of sunlight irradiation.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment, the device further includes a sensor for real-time measurement and monitoring of the degradation of unionized ammonia, wherein an ammonia level of 20 mg / L or higher is an "alarm" level, and an ammonia level greater than 0.4 mg / L but less than 20 mg / L is a "danger escalation" level. This sensor can monitor the degradation level of unionized ammonia in the aquatic system in real time and perform quantitative analysis to fine-tune the device's performance.

[0017] In another exemplary embodiment, the photocatalytic component is used to degrade nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing pollutants.

[0018] The device described in this disclosure provides a low-cost, environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and long-term effective solution for controlling the concentration of unionized ammonia in aquatic systems, such as fish farms. This device promotes sustainable fish farming by effectively degrading unionized ammonia and other associated nitrogenous and phosphorus-containing pollutants, thereby improving the quality of aquatic products and having a lasting and significant impact on the local fisheries industry.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for controlling the level of unionized ammonia in an aquatic environment is provided. The method includes the following steps:

[0020] A photodegradation system is provided, the photodegradation system comprising a titanium dioxide-coated photocatalytic component for exposure to light irradiation;

[0021] Water from the aquatic environment is recycled through a photodegradation system using a recycling component to enhance mass transfer;

[0022] Aeration components are used to bubble the circulating water in the photodegradation system to enhance the aerobic degradation of unionized ammonia; and

[0023] Under light irradiation, photocatalytic oxidation of unionized ammonia is initiated on a titanium dioxide-coated photocatalytic component to photodegrade unionized ammonia in the aquatic environment.

[0024] In one exemplary embodiment, the titanium dioxide-coated photocatalytic component is prepared by the following steps:

[0025] A titanium dioxide coating is applied to a light-receiving panel, and the spraying and heat treatment are optimized using a crosslinking process to provide the titanium dioxide-coated photocatalytic component.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the preparation of the titanium dioxide coated photocatalytic component via a crosslinking process includes the following steps:

[0027] A titanium peroxide composite is sprayed onto a light-receiving panel to provide a titanium peroxide-coated panel. Heat treatment is then applied to the titanium peroxide-coated panel, causing the peroxide groups to decompose and transforming the titanium peroxide composite into Ti-O-Ti linked structural units to provide the titanium dioxide-coated photocatalytic component. The crosslinking process effectively provides a photocatalytic component with a uniform, robust, and durable titanium dioxide coating.

[0028] Preferably, the photocatalytic component includes an LED light source. For example, the light source is a solar-powered LED light source. In another exemplary embodiment, the photocatalytic component includes a rigid backing component.

[0029] For example, the photodegradation system further includes a control unit for adjusting the light irradiation according to ambient light conditions.

[0030] In another embodiment, the method further includes using sensors to measure and monitor the degradation of unionized ammonia in the aquatic environment.

[0031] Most preferably, the photodegradation system is used to degrade nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing pollutants.

[0032] The method described in this disclosure advantageously provides a low-cost, energy-efficient, and clean way to address the problem of unionized ammonia contamination in fish farming. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for controlling the degree of unionized ammonia according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 2 For use in aquatic systems according to exemplary embodiments Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a device used to control the degree of unionized ammonia.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the steps for controlling the level of unionized ammonia in an aquatic environment according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the steps for preparing a titanium dioxide-coated photocatalytic component for exposure to light, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the production steps of a titanium dioxide-coated photocatalytic component for exposure to light, prepared by a crosslinking process according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 6Images of a test group set up in a fish tank according to Example 1 are shown.

[0040] Figure 7 The YSI ammonia detector used in the preliminary study of Example 1 is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Rapidly growing global population, climate change, and increasingly fragile ecosystems have led to exponential growth in aquaculture and a deepening dependence on it. Global aquaculture production increased from 4.17 × 10⁻⁶ in 2000. 7 The amount increased to 8.0 × 10⁻⁶ tons in 2016. 7 Tons. Aquaculture is the process of breeding, cultivating, and harvesting fish, crustaceans, mollusks, algae, and aquatic plants in a controlled environment. Aquaculture is one of the world's fastest-growing food production industries and a vital component of global food production, helping to meet the growing demand for seafood. Different types of aquaculture include, for example, the cultivation of marine species such as shrimp, oysters, and seaweed in marine environments; freshwater aquaculture involves the cultivation of freshwater species such as tilapia, catfish, and trout in ponds or flowing water tanks. Aquaculture is widely recognized as one of the world's fastest-growing agricultural industries, with freshwater fish farming dominating the sector.

[0042] Aquaculture offers several key benefits in addressing global food security and environmental sustainability. Its advantages include food security, economic development, and ecological protection. Aquaculture, or fish farming, not only meets the needs of a growing global population but also creates a vital industry for coastal and rural areas by generating employment and boosting local economies. From an ecological perspective, fish farming reduces reliance on traditional fishing methods, alleviates pressure on wild marine resources, and supports the restoration of natural habitats.

[0043] Aquaculture helps protect biodiversity and maintain the balance of marine ecosystems by raising fish, shellfish and aquatic plants in controlled environments.

[0044] Furthermore, advancements and improvements in aquaculture technologies, such as alternative feed sources and breeding techniques, have not only increased productivity but also reduced environmental impact. The development of eco-friendly aquaculture systems supports the sustainability of fish farming and contributes to the overall health of the aquatic environment.

[0045] Controlling the levels of non-ionic ammonia in aquatic systems is crucial. The presence and accumulation of non-ionic ammonia in aquaculture systems pose a significant threat because this chemical is highly toxic to aquatic organisms, especially fish, and is considered one of the most dangerous pollutants in freshwater environments. Uncontrolled levels of non-ionic ammonia can cause acute toxicity to marine life, leading to gill damage, respiratory distress, and behavioral abnormalities. High concentrations of non-ionic ammonia can also be fatal to aquatic organisms. In addition to acute toxicity, non-ionic ammonia can also have long-term chronic effects, including stunted growth in fish, reduced reproductive success, weakened immune systems, and increased susceptibility to disease. These issues pose a significant threat to the sustainable development of the industry and can have costly long-term consequences.

[0046] The accumulation of non-ionic ammonia in aquatic systems (such as fish farms) primarily originates from the metabolic waste of aquatic organisms (such as fish) and the decomposition of organic matter. For example, fish produce ammonia as a byproduct during protein metabolism. In high-density aquaculture environments, large amounts of non-ionic ammonia can be generated—especially when fish feed has a high protein content. Furthermore, the proportion of non-ionic ammonia also increases significantly in environments with high pH and high temperature.

[0047] The invention utilizes photocatalysis technology to control non-ionic ammonia pollution in fish farming under sunlight, eliminating the need for chemical agents. This disclosure provides a low-cost, simple, and environmentally friendly device that effectively degrades non-ionic ammonia in aquatic systems, thereby controlling and maintaining its concentration within a preset range. Photocatalysis is a green technology that can degrade non-ionic ammonia without consuming electricity. This technology uses natural sunlight to excite a photoresponsive semiconductor thin film, generating redox compounds to drive the degradation process of non-ionic ammonia. This technology is highly efficient, energy-saving, and safe, producing no harmful byproducts. Therefore, it has significant advantages and becomes a long-term effective means of controlling non-ionic ammonia and achieving sustainable fisheries development.

[0048] The invention demonstrates that photocatalysts have significant application value in environmental purification and the removal of non-ionic ammonia pollutants. Under light irradiation, the photocatalyst generates internal electron-hole pairs, activating oxygen and water on its surface, producing active hydroxyl radicals and other oxide species, which are used for the degradation of organic pollutants.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2A device 100 is provided for controlling the level of unionized ammonia in an aquatic system 200. The aquatic system 200 is, for example, an aquaculture system similar to an indoor or outdoor fish farm 200. The device 100 described herein is used to degrade unionized ammonia as well as nitrogen and phosphorus-containing contaminants. The device 100 includes the following components: photocatalytic components 110, 210 for exposure to light; circulation components 120, 230 for circulating water in the aquatic system 200 to enhance mass transfer; and aeration components 130, 220 for aerating the circulating water in the aquatic system 200 to promote the aerobic degradation of the level of unionized ammonia, wherein the photocatalytic components 110, 210 are used for photodegrading unionized ammonia in the aquatic system 200 under light irradiation.

[0050] The photocatalytic components 110 and 210 of this disclosure operate under sunlight to degrade unionized ammonia, which is toxic to fish 240. The photocatalytic components 110 and 210 are detachably fixed in the aquatic system 200, for example, fixed to a fish tank. Figure 1 As shown, photocatalytic components 110 and 210 include photocatalytic panels 110 and 210 with a titanium-based coating. Preferably, the titanium-based coating is a titanium dioxide coating. The photocatalytic panels 110 and 210 are prepared by applying a titanium dioxide coating or precursor to the light-receiving components 110 and 210. The light-receiving components 110 and 210 receiving the titanium-based coating are, for example, glass, ceramic, or another transparent material. In an exemplary embodiment, a prepared titanium dioxide precursor solution is sprayed onto the light-receiving components 110 and 210 to produce a high-performance, durable, inorganic, dense titanium dioxide coating. In a preferred embodiment, the light-receiving panel is coated with a titanium dioxide semiconductor film. A crosslinking process is used to advantageously provide a dense and uniform titanium dioxide coating on the light-receiving components 110 and 210 by optimizing the spraying and heat treatment.

[0051] refer to Figure 5 In step 500, a photocatalytic panel with titanium dioxide coatings 110 and 210 is prepared by a unique crosslinking process (step 505); the light-receiving components 110 and 210 are sprayed with a titanium peroxide composite to provide a titanium peroxide-coated panel (step 510); and a heat treatment is applied to the titanium peroxide-coated panel to cause the peroxide groups to decompose and thus transform the titanium peroxide composite into a Ti-O-Ti linked structure portion to provide the titanium dioxide-coated photocatalytic components 110 and 210 (step 515).

[0052] To enhance the rigidity and toughness of the photocatalytic panels 110 and 210, the assemblies 110 and 210 include a backing assembly 140. The backing assembly 140 is, for example, an organic acrylic sheet that helps prevent brittle fracture of the panels 110 and 210. In one exemplary embodiment, a single photocatalytic panel 110 or 210 is attached to the backing assembly 140. In another exemplary embodiment, two photocatalytic panels 110 or 210 are attached to the backing assembly 140.

[0053] Photocatalytic components 110 and 210 include a light source 150. The light source allows for a 24-hour extended photodegradation time and enhances the cleaning capabilities of components 110 and 210. In one embodiment, photocatalytic components 110 and 210 include an LED light source 150 and a solar cell 160. For example, device 100 includes a micro solar cell 160 and an LED light source 150, which automatically turns on and off according to the intensity of sunlight. In an exemplary embodiment, the claimed invention's device 100 further includes a control unit 170, which is arranged to adjust the solar-powered LED illumination based on ambient light conditions.

[0054] In one exemplary embodiment, device 100 also includes a sensor 180 for real-time measurement and monitoring of the degradation of unionized ammonia. Sensor 180 will alert users of device 100 to the level of unionized ammonia in the aquatic system 200 and provide an indication of the environment 200. For example, an unionized ammonia level of 20 mg / L or higher will be indicated as an "alarm" level, and an unionized ammonia level greater than 0.4 mg / L but less than 20 mg / L will be indicated as a "danger escalation" level.

[0055] refer to Figure 3 A method 300 is provided for controlling the level of unionized ammonia in an aquatic environment 200. A photodegradation system is used to degrade unionized ammonia and other nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing pollutants. Method 300 includes the following steps: providing a photodegradation system (step 305) comprising titanium dioxide-coated photocatalytic components 110, 210 for exposure to light irradiation; circulating water from the aquatic environment through the photodegradation system 200 using circulation components 120, 230 to enhance mass transfer (step 310); aerating the circulating water in the photodegradation system using aeration components 130, 220 to enhance the aerobic degradation of unionized ammonia (step 315); and initiating photocatalytic oxidation of unionized ammonia on the titanium dioxide-coated photocatalytic components 110, 210 under light irradiation to photodegrade unionized ammonia in the aquatic environment 200 (step 320). In one embodiment, method 300 includes measuring and monitoring the degradation of unionized ammonia in the aquatic environment 200 using sensor 180.

[0056] Figure 4A method 400 for preparing titanium dioxide-coated photocatalytic components 110, 210 is shown. The photocatalytic components 110, 210 are prepared by the following steps: providing titanium dioxide-coated photocatalytic components 110, 210 for exposure to light irradiation (step 405); applying a titanium dioxide coating to a light-receiving panel (step 410); optimizing the spraying and heat treatment using a crosslinking process to provide titanium dioxide-coated photocatalytic components (step 415); and fixing a backing component 140 to the photocatalytic components 110, 210 to increase robustness and stability (step 420).

[0057] The crosslinking process for titanium dioxide coated photocatalytic components 110 and 210 is shown in the figure. Figure 5 In step 500, the process includes the following steps: spraying a titanium peroxide composite onto a light-receiving plate to provide a titanium peroxide-coated panel (step 505); applying a heat treatment to the titanium peroxide-coated panel to decompose the peroxide groups (step 510); thereby transforming the titanium peroxide composite into a Ti-O-Ti linked structural portion to provide a titanium dioxide-coated photocatalytic component (step 515). Advantageously, the crosslinking process provides efficient photocatalytic components 110 and 210 with a uniform, tough, and durable titanium dioxide coating.

[0058] In one exemplary embodiment, photocatalytic components 110, 210 include a solar LED light source 150. The photodegradation system also includes a control unit 170 for adjusting light irradiation based on ambient light conditions.

[0059] This disclosure advantageously provides an apparatus and method for photocatalytic removal of unionized ammonia, which is low-cost, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly. This disclosure is sustainable and easily implemented in the short and long term to improve the quality of aquatic products.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and / or modifications can be made to the present disclosure as illustrated in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure as broadly described. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects.

[0061] Unless otherwise specified, any references to prior art contained herein should not be construed as an admission that the information is common general knowledge.

[0062] The experiments described below provide further embodiments of this disclosure, which are claimed as high-quality and environmentally friendly methods and apparatus for controlling the level of unionized ammonia in aquatic systems.

[0063] Example

[0064] Example 1 - Preliminary Study

[0065] The inventors investigated the effectiveness of photochemical methods in reducing ammonia levels in aquaculture systems. Exploring this approach will enhance the sustainability and productivity of aquaculture operations while minimizing environmental impact.

[0066] The inventors conducted preliminary studies to evaluate the efficiency of photocatalytic treatment in reducing the concentration of unionized ammonia in aquaculture water. The pilot studies were conducted in a commercial indoor farm environment.

[0067] Methods—Data Collection

[0068] Ammonia Concentration: Ammonia levels were measured using an ammonia meter. In commercial farms, an ammonia level of 20 mg / L is considered an "alarm level," while an ammonia level of 0.4 mg / L is considered a "danger level." The inventors started the experimental group (A) with an ammonia concentration increasing by 0.4 mg / L (danger level) and took nine measurements from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

[0069] Both the test and control systems were operated under normal operating conditions with fish in aquariums. All experimental groups used the same photocatalytic panel, with LEDs immersed in the aquarium. Water samples were collected from two separate freshwater aquaculture systems (one control and one test). Random sampling was used to ensure representative data collection. Figure 6 Images of the test group set up in the fish tank are shown. Figure 7 The YSI ammonia detector is shown.

[0070] result

[0071] Table 1 Experimental Group A - Day 1 (March 25, 2024)

[0072]

[0073]

[0074] Table 2 Experimental Group A—Day 2 (March 26, 2024)

[0075]

[0076] Table 3 Experimental Group A—Day 3 (March 27, 2024)

[0077]

[0078] Table 4. Experimental Group A – Radam Cross-Check (March 30, 2024)

[0079]

[0080] Table 5 Experimental Group A—First Time (April 2, 2024)

[0081]

[0082]

[0083] Table 6 Experimental Group A—Second Round (April 5, 2024)

[0084]

[0085] discuss

[0086] The inventors discovered that the ammonia level significantly decreased from 0.4 mg / L to 0.1 mg / L, as shown in Tables 1-3 above. Table 1 demonstrates the high efficiency of the photocatalytic component. Tables 1-3 show that the ammonia level decreased from 0.4 mg / L to approximately 0.1 mg / L within 3 hours. Furthermore, Tables 4 and 5 show that the ammonia level remained below 0.19 mg / L, while the ammonia level in the control group without the photocatalytic panel rose to 0.4 mg / L.

[0087] The inventors' results demonstrate that the photocatalytic removal of ammonia according to the claimed invention is highly stable and efficient. The results also indicate that the claimed invention would prove advantageous and beneficial if implemented in commercial farms.

[0088] Example 2—Technical Implementation

[0089] The inventors identified the key aspects of implementing the claimed invention:

[0090] (1) Large-scale fabrication of high-performance photocatalytic TiO2 thin films on a suitable light-receiving plate

[0091] A pre-prepared titanium precursor solution was sprayed onto glass and other transparent materials. A high-performance, dense inorganic TiO2 coating was prepared by optimizing the spraying and heat treatment processes. To enhance the toughness of the photocatalytic glass plate, it was attached to an organic acrylic sheet to prevent brittle fracture.

[0092] (2) Provide information on the performance and routine maintenance of photocatalyst plates.

[0093] These photocatalytic plates are flexibly mounted on the aquarium to degrade unionized ammonia. Micro-solar cells and LED light sources are further assembled to extend the photodegradation time and enhance its efficiency. The LED lights are automatically switched on and off based on the intensity of sunlight.

[0094] For maintenance, algae and other contaminants on the panels in use are removed by ultrasonic cleaning or manual scrubbing.

[0095] (3) Monitoring the content of unionized ammonia

[0096] Commercially available sensors are used for ammonia detection to enable real-time quantitative monitoring of unionized ammonia degradation, allowing for analysis and fine-tuning of the photocatalytic panel's performance.

[0097] (4) Data Analysis

[0098] To analyze collected data on unionized ammonia degradation, a soft-margin one-class support vector machine (SM-OCC-SVM) was used for anomaly detection in unionized ammonia content. The SM-OCC-SVM model was trained using a set of training samples. A soft-margin approach was used to improve the robustness of the trained model to potential outliers in the training data. Data cleaning was performed on the training dataset to remove possible outliers.

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlling the extent of non-ionized ammonia in an aquatic system, comprising: comprising: a photocatalytic assembly for exposure to light irradiation; a circulation assembly for circulating water in the aquatic system and enhancing mass transfer; and an aeration assembly for aerating the circulating water in the aquatic system to promote aerobic degradation of the extent of non-ionized ammonia; wherein the photocatalytic assembly is for photodegradation of the non-ionized ammonia in the aquatic system under light irradiation. wherein, 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the photocatalytic assembly comprises a photocatalytic panel having a titanium dioxide coating. wherein, 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, the photocatalytic panel is prepared by applying a titanium dioxide coating onto a light-receiving panel using a cross-linking process; wherein the cross-linking process is for providing a dense and uniform titanium dioxide coating by optimizing spraying and heat treatment. wherein, 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, the cross-linking process comprises spraying a titanium peroxide complex on the light-receiving panel, applying heat treatment to the titanium peroxide coated panel and decomposing the peroxide groups to convert the titanium peroxide complex into Ti-O-Ti linkage moieties to provide the photocatalytic panel having the titanium dioxide coating. wherein, 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, the photocatalytic assembly comprises a light source. wherein, 6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, the photocatalytic assembly comprises an LED light source and a solar cell. further comprising:

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, a control unit; wherein the photocatalytic assembly comprises a solar LED light source, the control unit is for adjusting the solar LED irradiation based on ambient light conditions. further comprising:

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, a sensor for real-time measurement and monitoring of degradation of non-ionized ammonia; wherein an ammonia extent of 20 mg / L or higher is an "alarm" extent, an ammonia extent greater than 0.4 mg / L but less than 20 mg / L is a "dangerous rise" extent. comprising the steps of:

9. A method of controlling the extent of non-ionised ammonia in an aquatic environment, characterised in that, providing a photodegradation system comprising a titanium dioxide coated photocatalytic assembly for exposure to light irradiation; circulating water from an aquatic environment through the photodegradation system using a circulation assembly to enhance mass transfer; sparging the circulating water in the photodegradation system using an aeration assembly to enhance aerobic degradation of non-ionized ammonia; and initiating photocatalytic oxidation of non-ionized ammonia on the titanium dioxide coated photocatalytic assembly under light irradiation to photodegrade non-ionized ammonia in the aquatic environment. wherein, 10. The method of claim 9, wherein, the preparation of the titanium dioxide coated photocatalytic assembly comprises the steps of: applying a titanium dioxide coating onto a light-receiving panel; and optimizing spraying and heat treatment using a cross-linking process to provide the titanium dioxide coated photocatalytic assembly. ​

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