The Microorganism Concern in the Aquaponics System

Abstract

Aquaponics system (AP) is a promising form for mass-produced food in the future. The system reduces the mass water demand for food production. It solves the problem of nitrogenous waste removal from the recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) by connecting with the hydroponic system (HP) in series. Microorganisms are essential in biochemical activities in an aquaculture system, such as nitrogen cycling, waste decomposition, and detoxification. However, excessive microorganisms in the system will increase the disease risk for aquatic organisms and plants. In the RAS system, high-density breeding enriches nutrients. That microbial management is even more critical. Through the design of zone isolation, the system confines different biochemical reactions to specific intervals, enhances its performance by shaping the dominant bacterial phase with environmental advantages, and simultaneously reduces the disturbance of microorganisms to the cultured organisms. Aquaponics farming, which emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between plants, aquatic organisms, and microorganisms, would create a more diverse and complex microbiota than the RAS system. Relevant studies have shown that the uncoupled aquaponics system using microbial zone management may be the right way to reduce management risks and increase production capacity. Research on the microbial phase of aquaponic systems is still minimal; limited research shows that the microbiota in the aquaponics system may vary considerably with the seasons and the geographical location of the farm. More active bacterial research and the establishment of effective management measures are the core technologies of future aquaculture management.