IPB University Innovator Develops Super Denox, Replacing Imported Products to Improve Shrimp Farm Water Quality
Dr Yuni Puji Hastuti, a lecturer at the Department of Technology and Management of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at IPB University, has successfully developed an innovative probiotic bioremediator product specifically designed to improve water quality in shrimp farm environments.
The product, named Super Denox, has made IPB University Rector Prof Arif Satria proud, stating, “This is an extraordinary discovery because, previously, all such products were imported. Now, we can produce them ourselves through IPB University innovators and apply them in 12 provinces.”
“This has an extraordinary impact on increasing shrimp production,” Prof Arif remarked recently.
The product innovator, Dr Yuni, explained that Super Denox utilizes local Indonesian microorganisms that function in the nitrification and denitrification processes. This innovation can control harmful nitrogen compounds such as ammonia and nitrite while balancing nitrate levels.
“Currently, we are also developing probiotics based on heterotrophic bacteria and antibacterial agents against pathogens (Vibrio),” Dr Yuni told the IPB Today editorial team (8/6).
Dr Yuni revealed that the development of Super Denox was driven by a classic issue in the aquaculture sector: the accumulation of nitrogen waste such as ammonia and nitrite. This issue causes stress and even death in shrimp in ponds, as well as disrupting the balance of planktonic bacteria within them.
“Additionally, reliance on imported products with high costs and effectiveness that does not align with Indonesia’s local conditions has been the primary motivation to introduce a locally sourced, more affordable, and adaptive solution like this probiotic,” Dr Yuni explained.
Advantages of Super Denox
She explained that the main advantage of Super Denox is the use of local bacterial strains from Indonesian waters and contains carrier materials with over 80 percent domestic consumption. This tested probiotic can survive and function optimally in tropical pond conditions in Indonesia.
Additionally, she noted, the product does not rely solely on nitrifying bacteria but also integrates denitrifying bacteria, which can reduce nitrite levels by up to 95% in ponds. The product is formulated with supporting nutrients that enhance bacterial efficacy while remaining safe for the environment and leaving no harmful residues.
“Another advantage is cost efficiency, along with field test results showing improved water quality in pond environments, thereby supporting shrimp survival,” Dr Yuni added.
The product is currently being further developed using a bioprecision approach, tailored based on real-time monitoring of water quality parameters, making it more adaptive and effective.
Dr Yuni hopes Super Denox can become a sustainable and inclusive solution for environmental management in the aquaculture sector, particularly for shrimp farming in Indonesia.
“With the success of reaching 12 provinces, I hope this product can continue to be developed to support local farmers in improving productivity in an environmentally friendly manner,” she said.
Furthermore, she aims to demonstrate that IPB University’s innovation, based on local Indonesian microorganisms, has significant potential to replace imported products and strengthen the self-reliance of the national and international aquaculture sector. (MHT) (IAAS/Ard)
