SAIC Introduces: NICO (Nanobubbles India Co.)

NICO (Nanobubble India Co.) is a deep-tech product and engineering company operating in the water technology sector, focused on developing advanced nanobubble-based solutions for water treatment and process optimization.

The company designs and manufactures high-performance nanobubble generators (NBGs) that enable efficient gas transfer in liquids. These systems are applied across a wide spectrum of water use cases, including wastewater treatment, industrial processes, agriculture, and aquaculture. By improving oxygen transfer efficiency and oxidation potential, NICO’s technology reduces chemical usage, energy consumption, and carbon footprint while enhancing system throughput and overall process performance.

In aquaculture, maintaining stable dissolved oxygen (DO) levels is critical for fish health, productivity, and operational efficiency. Conventional aeration systems, such as blowers and paddle wheels, often exhibit low oxygen transfer efficiency and struggle to maintain consistent DO levels, particularly under high stocking densities. Rapid oxygen loss, non-uniform distribution, and high energy requirements are common limitations that impact system stability and increase operating costs.

NICO’s nanobubble technology addresses these challenges by generating ultra-fine bubbles (typically <200 nm) that remain suspended in water for extended durations. This enables higher oxygen transfer efficiency, uniform distribution across the water column, and sustained DO levels without continuous aeration. Field implementations in shrimp and fish culture systems have demonstrated the ability to achieve DO levels in the range of 14–15 mg/L, compared to 5–6 mg/L in conventional systems, along with significantly improved oxygen retention and system stability.

As a result, aquaculture operators have reported 20–40% increases in stocking density while maintaining water quality parameters within optimal ranges. Improved oxygen availability also supports better metabolism and feeding behavior, leading to 10–25% improvements in feed conversion ratio (FCR) and 15–30% higher growth rates in fish and shrimp.

In recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), NICO’s technology has contributed to 15–25% reductions in mortality rates and 20–35% lower energy consumption due to reduced reliance on continuous aeration. Additionally, the use of ozone nanobubbles enables effective microbial control and oxidation of organic waste, resulting in 30–50% reduction in ammonia and COD levels, improved water clarity, and lower disease risk, without heavy chemical dosing.

By combining enhanced oxygenation with advanced oxidation capabilities, NICO’s nanobubble solutions provide a scalable pathway to intensification without compromising sustainability. The technology empowers aquaculture operators to increase productivity, improve animal health, and reduce operational costs, aligning with the industry’s shift toward more efficient and environmentally responsible practices.

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