September 30, 2025
Development of a simulated field trial on aquaculture structures for the "AquaLas" project
As part of the "AquaLas" project, our Institute for Antifouling and Biocorrosion on Norderney will be responsible for developing a simulated field test to evaluate fouling coverage and reduction on movable nets and angled structures in aquaculture.
The aim of the "AquaLas" project is to develop an innovative laser process that can be used to protect aquaculture nets underwater from biofouling. As it is used underwater, the laser process can be applied during regular operation without the need to relocate the fish. The laser radiation will cause lethal damage to the fouling and the pathogens it contains, resulting in a cleaning and disinfecting effect. The selection of suitable process parameters ensures that the laser radiation does not damage the surface of the farming systems or the net material, which significantly extends their service life and reduces the release of microplastics into the environment.
Dr. Brill + Partner Institute for Antifouling and Biocorrosion is developing the test strategy for investigating marine/coastal aquaculture. Our institute is preparing appropriate sample modules with nets and plate material that can become fouled on both sides under realistic conditions in the port of Norderney. Dr. Brill + Partner Institute for Antifouling and Biocorrosion coordinates the design of the sample modules with the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. so that laser irradiation can be carried out with the demonstrator. In addition, coordination with the Fraunhofer-Einrichtung für Individualisierte und Zellbasierte Medizintechnik IMTE is to take place to ensure the comparability of the results. The tests will be carried out in the port of Norderney, so the appropriate infrastructure must be prepared.
An essential aspect is the development, establishment, and validation of different measurement methods in order to be able to assess the success of the laser irradiation. Macro fouling will be evaluated and recorded before and after laser irradiation using the scientific method ASTM 6990-20. In this way, it will be possible to record how the fouling coverage changes under the influence of laser radiation. This method, which is designed for solid surfaces (ship hulls, test plates), must be adapted for nets.
With regard to biofilm, the microbial biofilms grown on parallel test plates are examined and evaluated after statistical analysis of the measurement results. The tested, pre-qualified methods for biofilm quantification and thus for assessing cleaning by laser use are verified and validated for practical application.
These sum parameters provide clear information about whether and to what extent the biofilm is reduced by laser treatment. This also allows a reduction in pathogens to be inferred. These methods must also be tested in practice.
These sum parameters provide clear information on whether and to what extent the biofilm is reduced by laser treatment. This also allows a reduction in pathogens to be inferred. These methods must also be adapted to the specific conditions for nets.
Further project partners:
Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., Hanover (lead coordinator) - www.lzh.de/en
Fraunhofer-Einrichtung für Individualisierte und Zellbasierte Medizintechnik IMTE (IMTE), Büsum - www.imte.fraunhofer.de/en
WATER - proved GmbH Wassermesstechnik & Aquakultur, Fürth - www.water-proved.de/en
Time frame of the project: 01 September 2025 - 31 October 2028
