A systematic analysis of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and biofloc technology (BFT) for white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in the indoor farming system

Abstract

This study analyzes recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and biofloc technology (BFT) for indoor white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) farming, focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and economic viability. RAS and BFT are innovative methods that address environmental and resource challenges in traditional L. vannamei farming. RAS uses filtration to maintain water quality, allowing precise control and reduced water use. RAS offers excellent water control and biosecurity for high-density farming but requires high investment and energy, limiting small-scale use. BFT uses microbes to turn waste into protein-rich floc, offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly option, but struggles with microbial balance and water clarity. Both approaches strive to minimize environmental impact while enhancing aquaculture productivity. This review covers 2010–2024 studies from Scopus and PubMed, focusing on experimental and field research. Research on these systems has increased since 2013, highlighting the focus on sustainable aquaculture. The key findings include growth parameters, proximate composition of L. vannamei, bacterial loads, and water quality parameters were compared by these techniques. Results indicate that the choice of system depends on specific farming goals, resource availability, and market demands. These findings highlight the potential of these technologies to improve productivity, sustainability, and address global food security. Future research should focus on integrating modern technologies-such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing, 5 G, automatic identification systems, high-resolution satellite imagery, machine learning, in situ sensor networks, and robotics into RAS and BFT systems.