Spherical Cellulose Beads Effective in Land-Based Aquaculture

Spherical cellulose beads known as Viscopearl are gaining a new role in water purification for land-based aquaculture.

Rengo Co., Ltd. began producing Viscopearl in early 2021 as a biodegradable alternative to microplastic beads for use across various industries. That same year, the product earned the “OK biodegradable MARINE” certification from TÜV AUSTRIA, and full-scale production started in 2022.

In 2025, a developer of land-based aquaculture systems adopted Viscopearl as the preferred purification medium. In closed recirculating aquaculture systems, where water is continually reused, effective purification is essential. Made from wood pulp, Viscopearl’s porous structure promotes microbial growth and attachment—a feature that is key to driving the denitrification process.

Rengo has demonstrated that its cellulose beads not only break down nitrate nitrogen in wastewater but may also reduce the need for adding organic matter during treatment. 

Demonstration tests confirmed that Viscopearl shows strong denitrification effects, especially under oxygen-poor or anaerobic conditions. These tests also showed that the product performs just as efficiently in oxygen-rich environments or aerobic conditions.

Rengo has already filed a patent for Viscopearl and is currently developing its spherical cellulose beads to be more effective and useful in the fisheries industry and across various applications.

Read the full article here to learn more about Viscopearl.

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