Life cycle assessment of rainbow trout farming in the temperate climate zone based on the typical farm concept. (20th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wind, Tamara; Schumann, Mark; Hofer, Stephan; Schulz, Carsten; Brinker, Alexander
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 380:Part 1(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12-20
• Subjects: Life cycle analysis -- Salmonid -- Global warming potential -- Typical farm approach -- Photovoltaic energy -- Fish feed; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134851
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Fish from aquaculture has the ability to meet consumer demand for a healthy and sustainable diet. The environmental footprint of fish farming depends largely on the method of production. Trout production in the temperate climate zone in open flow-through systems using the natural hydraulic gradient of streams as freshwater supply is energy efficient relative to more intensive systems. To investigate the possibility of reducing global warming potential, eutrophication potential, acidification potential, and ozone layer depletion associated with rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) production in southern Germany, a comprehensive dataset collected under the typical farm framework was analyzed and a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment was conducted. The impact of feed source (plant- and fish-based) was analyzed, as well as that of photovoltaic panels installed over the production area. Calculated emissions per kg fish live weight were 1.18 kg CO2eq, 7.89e −8 kg CFC11eq, 0.00552 kg SO2eq, and 0.0257 kg PO4eq . Full covering of the production area with photovoltaic panels, compared to the current ∼40% coverage, was estimated to provide a reduction of 1.04 kg CO2eq, resulting in emissions of 0.773 kg CO2eq per kg fish live weight. Feeds containing 35% and 61.8% fishmeal were associated with lower emissions compared to 100% plant-based, with a reduction in GWP of 0.79 kg CO2eq in the 61.8% fishmeal variant. Results showed that the use of photovoltaic panels can significantly reduce rainbow trout culture impact on the analyzed environmental impact categories. Feed containing fishmeal has a lower impact on the analyzed environmental impact categories. Alternatives such as insect meal and sustainable plant alternatives should be the focus of future research. Highlights: Investigation of environmental impact of trout reared in flow-through systems Typical farm approach with scenarios differing in energy and feed use Main emissions come from the use of oxygen and feed Increasing photovoltaic system use on farm lowers farm emissions Increased fishmeal content in feed decreases the ecological impact of the farm