Research on heterotrophic bioflocs is extensive, whereas investigations into autotrophic bioflocs remain limited. This study established an in situ autotrophic biofloc (ABF) system for intensive Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) farming, aiming for zero water exchange and optimized water quality. A 120-day indoor experiment tested three stocking densities (300 (T1), 250 (T2), and 200 shrimp per m3 (T3)) with no water exchange. Water quality was monitored every two days, and bacterial communities were analyzed on days 10 and 70. The results indicated that ABF maturation was achieved by day 70 across all treatments, marked by three key indicators: (1) synchronous declines in nitrite and nitrate concentrations; (2) concurrent decreases in pH and total alkalinity approaching maturation; and (3) sustained high nitrogen removal efficiency (nitrite 50 mg/L). A biofloc volume (BFV) of 4–8 mL/L effectively managed daily feed inputs of 75–110 g/m3. These findings lay a theoretical and technical foundation for the application of in situ ABF cultivation in intensive farming and enhance the sustainability of aquaculture.
Xie et al. (2026) studied this question.