Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are stimulating demand for technology innovation in areas like qua-tech. Still, there are no real-time sensors for the quantification of highly toxic nitrogen compounds (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) that can accumulate in closed systems. 

So, the main goal of this project is the development of innovative sensors to quantify such compounds, using a technological platform (electrochemical biosensors) that is mastered by the start-up Nitrogen Sensing Solutions (promoter). 

Our first product will be a portable nitrite biosensor - the NO2Aqua - that will be launched on the market by the end of the project (TRL 9). 

Our second product will be a standalone device that is able to monitor the three N-nutrients in real-time, the NOxAqua. 

Finally, a prototype of an automated sampling system specifically designed to integrate and connect the sensors to the tanks will be developed, fulfilling the specific needs of the RAS industry (both products will reach TRL 6 by the end of the project). RIASEARCH and our Portuguese (FLATLANTIC) and Norwegian (NIVA and RASLab) partners will play a fundamental role in validating the technology in operational environments, thereby strengthening the scientific and technological relationships between the two states. 

Ultimately, we will be able to create products of high value for the Blue Growth sector (willingness to pay was confirmed through a recent market study), thereby fostering the innovation and business development, and levering the competitiveness and sustainability of Portuguese SMEs.