Skip to Main Content
Skip Nav Destination
*Corresponding author email: [email protected]

IMTA stands for integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, which is an innovative approach to aquaculture that aims to optimize and minimize resource utilization and also minimize environmental impacts. Although IMTA is not specifically designed for wastewater treatment and resource recovery, it can be applied in such contexts to enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of these processes. In traditional wastewater treatment systems, the focus is primarily on removing pollutants and treating wastewater to meet regulatory standards of effluent. However, IMTA has more holistic approaches to create more sustainable and efficient ecosystems. In IMTA wastewater treatment systems, the principle involves utilizing different organisms in a cascading trophic structure to maximize resource utilization and minimize waste. Wastewater treatment is carried out via primary treatment, secondary treatment, and tertiary systems. In secondary treatment systems, filter-feeder organisms are mostly cultured, whereas in tertiary treatment systems macro algae, shellfishes, and seaweeds can be cultivated as water contains excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous and thus reduces the chances of eutrophication and water pollution. The harvested shellfish and macro algae can be used as valuable resources, shellfish sold for human consumption, whereas macro algae can be processed into products such as biofuels, fertilizers, or animal feed. Thus, the system becomes more efficient and reduces environmental impacts. It allows for conversion of waste streams into valuable products and promotes a circular economy approach.

This content is only available as PDF.

or Create an Account

Close Modal
Close Modal