Feasibility of adoption of water recirculation systems for fish-farms of Ararat Plain in Armenia

The majority of these ponds are concentrated in this region due to the presence of artesian water, which is used by 85% of the farms. However, the use of artesian water has led to a significant drop in the water resources of the Ararat Plain, causing the dry-up of artesian springs in the highlands and potentially harming the wetland habitats and their biodiversity. The discharge of aquaculture waste water into freshwater ecosystems can also lead to pollution, with nutrients, antibiotic remains, and water disinfectants contaminating rivers and lakes. To address these concerns, the recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) has been proposed as a solution. RAS is designed to continuously filter and treat the water, reducing the amount of water intake and discharge of polluted water. The RAS system involves several components, including a drum filter to remove solid waste particles, a RBC biofilter to oxidize toxic metabolic waste products, an ozone generator to disinfect the water, and a heating system to maintain the optimal water temperature. The system is designed to recirculate 90% of the water, reducing the amount of water intake and discharge. The feasibility of implementing RAS in the Ararat Plain has been analyzed in terms of technical and financial aspects. The study involved the analysis of primary and secondary data, including scholarly literature, research papers, and media sources. The results of the analysis were used to assess the potential of RAS as a viable business model that can support the sustainability of freshwater ecosystems in the Ararat Plain. The study found that the implementation of RAS can significantly reduce the amount of water intake and discharge of polluted water, thereby reducing the negative impact on the environment. The financial feasibility of the system was also assessed, and the results showed that the initial investment in RAS can be recovered through the reduction of water costs and the sale of fish. The study also identified several challenges associated with the implementation of RAS, including the high initial investment costs, the need for specialized labor and equipment, and the potential risks associated with the system's operation. However, the benefits of RAS can outweigh these challenges, making it a viable solution for the fish farms in the Ararat Plain. The results of the study suggest that the implementation of RAS can have a positive impact on the environment and the economy of the Ararat Plain. The system can help to reduce the negative impact of aquaculture on the environment, while also providing a sustainable source of income for the fish farms. The study's findings can be used to inform policy decisions and guide the development of RAS in the Ararat Plain.