They seem to be combining several steps here (though maybe I'm wrong). In a comparable aquarium build the bubbling helps to oxygenate the water and to support

They seem to be combining several steps here (though maybe I'm wrong). In a comparable aquarium build the bubbling helps to oxygenate the water and to support the protein skimmer. You have things like bioballs with a large surface area to contain the bacteria and that acts to process the waste. But, to answer your question: I think it can probably be done on an industrial scale. Many larger fish tank setups have refugiums, where the water is processed. Some people set those up with plants which, in my experience, grow really well. I've only used underwater plants, but it makes sense that you could use others.