In this joint interview, co-founders Gabriela and Marise Almeida explain the NOxAqua system: disposable strips, similar to glucose-test strips, that measure nitrate, nitrite and ammonia. The strips carry biological recognition molecules that respond only to the target compound, so results are not skewed by anything else in the sample. A connected electronic reader digitizes results and links to customers' existing platforms. Users can test manually, or use an automated version suited to aquaculture.
Gabriela explains why recirculating systems need frequent monitoring. Biological filters convert fish waste and feed residue from ammonia into nitrite, then into much less toxic nitrate; if the filter fails, spikes can kill a stock overnight. Today most operators send samples to a central lab at most twice a week; NS2 wants them testing twice a day. More data supports production profiles and forecasting, while saving labor that costs at least €50 an hour in Europe. Pilot testing was under way with prospective clients.
The founders target sophisticated recirculating operations in Europe farming salmon, trout, sea bass and turbot, then shrimp in South America and eventually Asia, where about 90% of aquaculture is. They are also entering environmental monitoring of agricultural water, where nitrogen fertilizers saturate soils and groundwater, with a partnership in Denmark. Gabriela defends aquaculture as already supplying over half of the fish we eat, with a lower carbon footprint than other animal protein. Marise credits Women TechEU with funding, credibility, coaching, mentoring and networking.
