Interações entre Comunidade Bacteriana e Qualidade da Água no Sistema de Bioflocos

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.141112613016

• Palavras-chave: Microbiologia aquícola; Compostos nitrogenados; Sólidos suspensos

• Keywords: Aquaculture microbiology; Nitrogen compounds; Suspended solids

• Abstract: Aquaculture has become increasingly important in food production, with emphasis on the cultivation of tilapia and Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei), species of great economic relevance in Brazil and worldwide. The growth of this activity has encouraged the development of more efficient and sustainable production systems, among which Biofloc Technology (BFT) stands out. This system is based on the action of microbial communities that recycle nutrients and help maintain water quality. This chapter presents an overview of aquaculture and the main culture systems, including earthen ponds, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), and biofloc systems, highlighting their characteristics, advantages, and limitations. Subsequently, the functioning of BFT is discussed, with emphasis on biofloc formation, the role of heterotrophic bacteria, and the importance of suspended solids for system stability. In addition, the relationships between the bacterial community and key water quality parameters, such as ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and alkalinity, are addressed, demonstrating how microbial activity directly influences the balance of the culture environment. The analyzed results show that heterotrophic bacteria play a central role in controlling nitrogen compounds and in the formation of microbial biomass, being essential for the proper functioning of biofloc systems. Finally, the chapter emphasizes the importance of integrated monitoring of physicochemical and microbiological parameters as a management tool to improve productivity, biosecurity, and sustainability in modern aquaculture.