The microbial sources of taste and odour molecules (TOM) are primarily the biofilm forming actinomycetes and to a lesser extend planktonic cyanobacteria. The TOM are not a health concern in aquaculture but instead a substantial nuisance to the consumers and therefore also a concern for fish producers. The issue is complex as humans have a remarkable ability to smell and taste TOM while TOM is resistant to removal from water by conventional methods like ozonation. Additionally, RAS water cannot be treated effectively with antimicrobials to remove the problematic bacteria as such treatments may harm the biofilter and fish. However, novel antimicrobial coatings may provide a safe, low-cost solution to biofouling. These nano coatings directly destroy microbes or work to prevent or weaken microbe attachment.
