USE OF 3D PRINTER WASTE FILTRATION SYSTEMS FOR FRESHWATER ANGELFISH CULTURE

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Published: Oct 15, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31417/irecitecifam.v21.810
Keywords:
Solid waste Sustainability Aquaculture Ornamental fish RAS

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Jacicleide Maria de Oliveira
Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0758-7990
José Rafael Clemente Júnior
Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0903-365X
Wilmar Ferreira da Silva Junior
Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Pernambuco
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8113-4456
Mateus Vitória Medeiros
Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1803-5821
Gelcirene de Albuquerque Costa
Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4338-8530

Abstract

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are extensively utilised in aquarium for both aquaculture and ornamental fishkeeping. In the context of ornamental aquaculture, RAS can be implemented in urban areas due to their high productivity and efficient utilisation of space and water resources. This study evaluated the performance of 3D printer waste as biological media for freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) culture in RAS. The experimental design was completely randomised, with two treatments and four replicates, using biological media composed of ceramic rings (CR) and 3D printer waste (PLA). For 51 days, the biofilters underwent a maturation process. After system stabilization, juvenile P. scalare (0.1 g and 1.7 cm) were stocked in the experimental units (1.5 ind L⁻¹) and reared for 31 days. During this period, the fish were fed a specific commercial diet (47% crude protein) once daily at 20–10%. Water quality parameters and production performance indices of P. scalare were evaluated during the study. The results showed a shorter maturation period in the biofilters of the CR treatment (33 days), while in the culture, higher total ammonia concentrations and lower pH were reported in the PLA treatment (P ≤ 0.05). All assessed water quality parameters, alongside the productive performance indices, remained within the optimal ranges reported in the literature for P. scalare culture. Therefore, under the conditions evaluated in this study, 3D printer waste can be utilised in RAS as biological media, representing a sustainable alternative for solid waste management and for reducing production costs in ornamental aquaculture.

Article Details

How to Cite
Maria de Oliveira, J., Rafael Clemente Júnior, J. ., Ferreira da Silva Junior, W., Vitória Medeiros, M., & de Albuquerque Costa, G. (2026). USE OF 3D PRINTER WASTE FILTRATION SYSTEMS FOR FRESHWATER ANGELFISH CULTURE. Igapó, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.31417/irecitecifam.v21.810
Issue
Vol. 21 No. 1 (2026): IGAPÓ – IFAM ACADEMIC SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL
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Article
Author Biographies

Jacicleide Maria de Oliveira, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE

Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Engineering from Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE) and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering at UFRPE.

José Rafael Clemente Júnior, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE

Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Engineering from Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE).

Wilmar Ferreira da Silva Junior, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Pernambuco

Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the Instituto Federal de Pernambuco (IFPE) and a Bachelor’s degree in Systems Analysis and Development from Faculdade Educacional da Lapa. Holds a Master’s degree in Software Engineering from CESAR School. Currently works as an Administrative Assistant at the IFPE.

Mateus Vitória Medeiros, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE

Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aquaculture Engineering from the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), a Master’s degree in Sustainable Aquaculture from the University of Stirling, and a PhD in Aquaculture from Centro de Aquicultura da UNESP (CAUNESP). Currently serves as a Lecturer at the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE).

   

Gelcirene de Albuquerque Costa, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE

Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Engineering from Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM). Holds both a Master’s and a PhD in Aquaculture from Centro de Aquicultura da UNESP (CAUNESP), and currently serves as a Lecturer at the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE).

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