Sustainability and feasibility assessments of nanobubble aeration technology in economic-socio environment of Penaeus vannamei shrimp farming

Abstract

Penaeus vannamei shrimp farming in Indonesia is faced with several challenges in the environmental, economic, and social aspects. Therefore, this study aims to assess the benefits of novel nanobubble aeration systems for the ecosystem, businesses, and communities. This is an experimental study conducted by comparing P. vannamei post larva 10 reared at a density of 2000 inds./L in a pond treated with nanobubble and without treatments (control). Furthermore, the Net Present Value (NPV) and payback period were calculated to assess the economic feasibility of nanobubble, while community interviews were used for the social sectors. Based on the results, environmental wastes of shrimp farming in form of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) were reduced by 9% from 2.58 mg/l (95%CI: 0,91, 4,25) in control compared to 2.35 mg/l (95%CI: 0,86, 3,84) in treatment. Furthermore, the revenues from post larva sales for five years and nanobubble investment costs showed that the estimated NPV was IDR 64,824,374 with a payback period of 1.7 years. The interviews on traditional shrimp farming showed that 61.1% to 72.2% of community members agreed on the use of nanobubble aeration to support livelihoods. Therefore, the use of nanobubbles is feasible to support sustainable P. vannamei farming.