A Conceptual Model for an Energy-Efficient Smart Water Filtration System in Sustainable Aquaculture

Abstract

Effective water quality management is crucial for sustainable aquaculture; however, conventional filtration systems often exhibit high energy consumption, significant operational costs, and substantial wastewater generation. This research presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a novel, low-cost smart filtration system for aquaculture, leveraging an Arduino microcontroller platform. The proposed system integrates real-time turbidity monitoring with an automated, relay-based pump control mechanism to optimize filtration cycles. A key innovation is the incorporation of a wastewater recycling component that repurposes nutrient-rich effluent for agroforestry irrigation, advancing a circular economy model. Experimental results demonstrate that the system achieves a turbidity reduction of 80% or more, meeting established freshwater quality standards for aquaculture while concurrently mitigating bacterial contamination risks. Furthermore, intelligent pump scheduling reduced energy consumption by approximately 30% compared to conventional timer-based systems. The successful deployment of the wastewater recycling module validates its utility for resource recovery. This research concludes that the Arduino-based solution provides a scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable approach to water management in aquaculture, effectively bridging technological innovation with environmental stewardship.  Future work will focus on integrating multi-parameter sensors for pH and dissolved oxygen, implementing IoT-based data analytics for predictive maintenance, and conducting long-term studies on the agroecological impact of using the recycled effluent.  The system's integrated design supports the concurrent pursuit of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).