Aquaponic System Research Articles

Production of Late Seedlings of Açai (Euterpe oleraceae) in an Aquaponic System with Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum, Curvier, 1818)

Over the years, aquaponics has become a powerful technological tool that allows the sustainable production of food, integrating conventional fish farming with vegetable production. The present study evaluated the production of late seedlings of açai Euterpe oleraceae in an aquaponic system with tambaqui Colossoma macropomum. A total of 36 tambaquis with an initial average weight and length of 1086.75 ± 16.38 g and 38.49 ± 0.90 cm were distributed in 12 independent aquaponic units, totaling 3.62 kg m−3. The fish were fed three times daily with commercial feed at a rate of 3%. Three flooding levels of 5, 10 and 15 cm, with constant water flow through the hydroponic bed (0.5 m2), were evaluated, and a control-hydroponic bed with flooding levels of 10 cm was established, all in triplicate. In the 5 and 10 cm treatments, 3450 açai seedlings with an initial height of 12.3 ± 1.9 cm were used (575 per aquaponic units), while the 15 cm treatment contained non-germinated açai seeds. The control group did not receive açai seeds and remained empty. Analyses to monitor total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, alkalinity, hardness, nitrogenous compounds, and phosphate levels were performed. At the end of the 30-day trial, the growth performance of tambaqui and plants was evaluated. Water quality was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by different flooding levels. Electrical conductivity and TDS decreased with an increasing in flooding levels. The flooding levels significantly influenced (p < 0.05) the concentration of total ammonia and nitrate between the treatments. The 5 cm flooding level showed the best plant development indexes for total height, aerial portion height, root height and aerial portion fresh mass. No significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in tambaqui growth performance. The aquaponic system proved to be effective in reusing fish waste (excreta and feed leftovers) generated in the system. The biotransformation of waste into nutrients allowed the growth of plants and nitrifying bacteria, which, through their metabolic pathways, ensured the purification and reuse of water, avoiding the discharge of this waste into the environment.

APPLICATION OF AQUAPONIC TECHNOLOGY IN GAPOKTAN BINA SEJAHTERA, AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE FOOD SECURITY

Aquaponics is an integration between fish and plant cultivation that benefits these two sectors. The development of aquaponics at the farm level can be an effort to increase food security. This community service activity aims to apply aquaponic leaf vegetable cultivation techniques, to optimize the facilities available at Gapoktan Bina Sejahtera (fish ponds). Activities carried out by counseling methods, training and demolots to farmers regarding the cultivation techniques of leaf vegetables and red tilapia with an aquaponic system. During the activity, monitoring was also carried out by a team of service lecturers, assistance by student teams and evaluation through pretest and posttest. This community service activity is able to provide new experiences, and increase farmers' knowledge and skills in cultivating red tilapia and leaf vegetables with an aquaponic system.

AQUAPONICS IN BRAZIL: REVIEW AND SURVEY ON WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Aquaponics is a food production technique that may be applied in the context of urban agriculture to help achieve food security and promote sustainable agriculture and production patterns, among other Sustainable Development Goals. Brazilian population is large and highly concentrated in urban areas and might benefit from this technique. Similar to any other production activity, aquaponic systems generate wastes that must be properly managed, but until now no study focused on waste generated on such systems or on management practices adopted by Brazilian producers; the goal of this article was to address both of these gaps. A systematic review identified waste streams generated on aquaponics, while management practices were seldom mentioned and addressed. A survey on producers located in 17 of the 27 Brazilian federal units helped confirm sludge, packaging waste, dead fish and unusable plant fractions as typical waste streams. It also identified a lack of concern for a more in-depth assessment of such streams to improve management practices, which tended to gravitate toward adequate and inadequate disposal. Finally, the article proposes management practices for each waste stream, drawing from strategies foreseen in Brazilian National Solid Waste Policy.

An In-depth Investigation of the Pertinent Challenges Inherent in Hydroponics, Aeroponics, Aquaponics, and the Efficacy of Bioponics-based Organic Solutions in Mitigating Them

This study looks at current issues with hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics and explores if organic bioponics-based solutions are a viable alternative that is also sustainable. The study's findings emphasize the need of maintaining root health and nutrient delivery in aeroponic systems, monitoring water quality and striking a balance between the health of fish and plants in aquaponic systems, and maximizing resource utilization in both systems. The utilization of natural pest and disease management techniques and the sustainable use of resources are just two advantages of bioponics, according to comparative studies. The absence of organic food sources, inefficient insect control, and expensive upfront costs are cited as challenges. The development of various organic nutrient sources, optimisation of biological control agents, analysis of commercial feasibility and scalability, automation of processes, integration of technology, and environmental impact analysis are some future research objectives. This study demonstrates how bioponics may help progress environmentally friendly farming methods. By pursuing the suggested future research lines, scientists can further support organic farming methods, improve the effectiveness of food production, and lessen the influence of agriculture on the environment. By identifying low-cost organic material for Agri input development like that done in the year long trials done by VIRENXIA with IIT-Delhi, appropriate solutions for accelerating sustainable crop growth can be achieved. It also aims to create a virtuous cycle between society and an inclusive academic system, by providing knowledge and practices for emerging farmers and upgrading the capabilities of agriculture sectors, in responding to the development needs of rural India.

Development of an economic smart aquaponic system based on IoT

Aquaponics is a sustainable farming practice that combines aquaculture and hydroponics in a recirculating system. The nutrients from the fish waste are used by the plants to grow, and the plants filter the water for the fish. This process is self-sustaining and requires little human intervention. The monitoring and control of aquaponic systems is a complex task. In this research, the Internet of Things (IoT) is utilized to monitor and control the proposed system. In addition, a digital twin (DT) is deployed to digitize the physical system. The results explore that IoT and DT can improve aquaponic systems by collecting data about environmental conditions that is used to regulate plant growth, monitor fish health, optimize crop production, and optimize nutrient recycling. This decreased the need for and cost of human monitoring and improved the system's economics.

Prediction Model based on Bagging and Boosting Ensemble Technique for Decision Support System of Autonomous Smart IIoT Smart Aquaponic System

The aqua-agriculture food sector, challenged by climate change, exploited biodiversity, food insecurity, water crisis, and global pandemic, urgently needs the sustainability transition and more sustainable practices. Sustainability transitions aim to transform current patterns of production and consumption into sustainable ones while enhancing the ecological and economic situation. This agenda is much possible with the integration of IIoT and AI/ML into the aqua agriculture. In this study, the researchers integrated a Prediction Model based on Bagging and Boosting Ensemble Technique in the Decision Support System of an Autonomous Smart IIoT Smart Aquaponic System that autonomously monitored, controlled, and managed the aquaponic systems.

Application aquaponics biofloc of sangkuriang catfish (Clarias sp.)

The value of catfish production in Indonesia has decreased drastically every year. Increasing stocking density can be a solution to increase production, but it will have a negative impact on decreasing water quality which will also disrupt catfish production. Therefore, it needs to be accompanied by the application of biofloc and aquaponics technology which plays a role in maintaining optimal water quality while providing additional natural feed (floc) which can reduce feed use and reduce water usage. This study aims to increase the production value of sangkuriang catfish through the application of biofloc and aquaponic systems. This research was conducted in October-November 2022 at the Raudhatul Ulum Sakatiga Agribusiness Group, Ogan Ilir Regency. This study was designed using a comparison experiment. The treatments given consisted of P0 (control), P1 (Maintenance of sangkuriang catfish aquaponic biofloc of kale plant), and P2 (Maintenance of Sangkuriang catfish aquaponic biofloc of lettuce plant). The results showed that P2 was the best treatment which resulted in absolute growth in weight and length of 7.18 g and 3.74 cm, survival of 98%, and growth in length of kale of 30.9 cm.Keywords: aquaponics; biofloc; sangkuriang catfish

Study of ammonia removal in aquaponic system with Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica chinensis (var. parachinensis)) and mechanical filter for tilapia cultivation

Water quality is one of the important factors to increase the success of fish farming production apart from disease factors and fish seed quality. Oreochromis niloticus or commonly called tilapia is one of the fish that is widely cultivated in Indonesia. The challenges of increasing intensive aquaculture production are stocking density and high protein feed while maintaining good water quality. High stocking densities and high protein feed can increase ammonia in the water which can cause death in fish, for that some quality control of aquaculture can be done, namely using mechanical filters (Granular activated carbon and biofoam) and aquaponic. The difference between these two methods was in the media used, mechanical filters used granular activated carbon and biofoam, while aquaponics used Chinese flowering cabbage (caisin) (Brassica chinensis var. parachinensis). To determine the effectiveness of reducing ammonia from the two methods, this study will compare water quality parameters with mechanical filters and aquaponic filter methods by using plant medi, namely (Brassica chinensis var. parachinensis). This research was conducted for 30 days to measure several water quality parameters including temperature, DO, pH, TDS and total ammonia nitrogen (TAN). The results during the study showed that the recirculating aquaponic system was better than the recirculating system with a mechanical filter (Granular activated carbon and biofoam) for SR, FCR and TDS parameters while the temperature, pH, DO and TAN parameters for 30 days were not much different between the recirculating aquaponic system and the recirculating system using a mechanical filter (Granular activated carbon and biofoam).

EFFECT OF TOMATO PLANT DENSITY ON AQUAPONIC SYSTEM PRODUCTION

The need to increase food production and match the food security demands under climate change impacts generate the force for developing aquaponic system. An aquaponic system was established at the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Egypt, to investigate the effect of tomato plant density (2, 4 and 6 plants / m2) on tomato and fish production as well as the quality of rare water. Nutrient film technique (3 m length) used to produce tomato integrated with aquaculture of tilapia fish. Vegetative growth characteristics and yield parameters of Tomato as well as tilapia yield parameters plus the nutrient contents of rare water were recorded. The revealed results indicated that increasing the tomato plant density from 2 up to 6 plants / m2 led to a decrease in the No. of leaves, total leaves area and plant height of tomato. The early and total yield of tomato per plant significantly increased by decreasing the plant density from 6 to 4 and 2 plants /m2. On the contrary, the highest total yield per m2 was given by tomato density 6 plants. Tilapia average weight of (g), tilapia total yield (Kg/m3), average daily gain (ADG) and specific growth rate % (SGR) results increased significantly by increasing the plant density of tomato from 2 and 4 up to 6 plants / m2. Increasing the tomato plant density led to decrease significantly NO3, P, K, Ca and Mg (ppm) values of fish rare water content during the season period due to increasing the removal of nutrients for tomato sake. The accumulation of nutrients in rare fish water increased by increasing the growth of fish tilapia. The highest results of NO3, P, K, Ca and Mg were recorded by tomato plant density 2 plants /m2 while 6 plants /m2 had the lowest nutrient contents. For sustainable food production, the study recommended the plant density of tomato 6 plants /m2. 18 tomato plants in 3 m NFT system length (6 plants/m2) integrated with 150 tilapia fish in 1 m3.

Optimization of fish and plant production in tilapia-spinach aquaponics systems using black soldier fly larvae meal and mineral supplementation

Aquaponics is a sustainable food production system that combines aquaculture and hydroponics. Fishmeal is a common protein source in aquaponics feeds, but it is expensive and has environmental and ethical issues. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are a promising alternative protein source that can be produced from organic waste. However, the optimal level of fishmeal replacement by BSFL meal and the effects of mineral supplementation on fish and plant growth, nutrient utilization, and microbial quality in aquaponics systems are not well understood. In this study, the researcher conducted three experiments to evaluate the effects of full-fat (FF) BSFL meal, defatted (DF) BSFL meal and mineral supplementation on tilapia-spinach aquaponics systems. The researcher found that FF or DF BSFL meal can replace up to 30% of fishmeal protein in tilapia-spinach aquaponics systems without compromising fish and plant growth, nutrient utilization, or microbial quality. Mineral supplementation can further enhance the performance of tilapia fed with FF or DF BSFL meal in aquaponics systems. This study provides valuable information for optimizing fish and plant production in tilapia-spinach aquaponics systems using BSFL meal and mineral supplementation as sustainable protein and mineral sources.

Basil functional and growth responses when cultivated via different aquaponic and hydroponics systems.

Aquaponics is an innovative farming system that combines hydroponics and aquaculture, resulting in the production of both crops and fish. Decoupled aquaponics is a new approach introduced in aquaponics research for the elimination of certain system bottlenecks, specifically targeting the optimization of crops and fish production conditions. The aquaponics-related literature predominantly examines the system's effects on crop productivity, largely overlooking the plant functional responses which underlie growth and yield performance. The aim of the study was the integrated evaluation of basil performance cultivated under coupled and decoupled aquaponic systems compared with a hydroponic one, in terms of growth and functional parameters in a pilot-scale aquaponics greenhouse. We focused on the efficiency of the photosynthetic process and the state of the photosynthetic machinery, assessed by instantaneous gas exchange measurements as well as photosynthetic light response curves, and in vivo chlorophyll a fluorescence. Light use efficiency was estimated through leaf reflectance determination. Photosynthetic pigments content and leaf nutritional state assessments completed the picture of basil functional responses to the three different treatments/systems. The plant's functional parameters were assessed at 15-day intervals. The experiment lasted for two months and included an intermediate and a final harvest during which several basil growth parameters were determined. Coupled aquaponics resulted in reduced growth, which was mainly ascribed to sub-sufficient leaf nutrient levels, a fact that triggered a series of negative feedbacks on all aspects of their photosynthetic performance. These plants experienced a down-regulation of PSII activity as reflected in the significant decreases of quantum yield and efficiency of electron transport, along with decreased photosynthetic pigments content. On the contrary, decoupled aquaponics favored both growth and photochemistry leading to higher light use efficiency compared with coupled system and hydroponics, yet without significant differences from the latter. Photosynthetic light curves indicated constantly higher photosynthetic capacity of the decoupled aquaponics-treated basil, while also enhanced pigment concentrations were evident. Basil functional responses to the three tested production systems provided insights on the underlying mechanisms of plant performance highlighting key-points for systems optimization. We propose decoupled aquaponics as an effective system that may replace hydroponics supporting high crops productivity. We suggest that future works should focus on the mechanisms involved in crop and fish species function, the elucidation of which would greatly contribute to the optimization of the aquaponics productivity.

Budidaya Kangkung dan Ikan Lele Dengan Sistem Aquaponik di Kelurahan Tobekgodang

These kale and catfish plants can be developed into aquaponic cultivation. Aquaponics is the concept of developing a bio-integrated farming system, which is a series of technologies that combines aquaculture techniques and hydroponic farming techniques. Where fish farming waste is in the form of metabolic waste and leftover feed used as nutrients for plants. Thus, research can be carried out that aims to find out how to cultivate water spinach and catfish using an aquaponics system to take advantage of minimally sized vacant land. The methods applied in aquaponic cultivation are the manufacture of aquaponic growing media, aquaponics maintenance and care, and the process of harvesting kale. The resulting kale plants have different growths, ranging from plant height, number, width, and leaf color. One of the differences that occur in the growth of kale is caused by the nutrients obtained from catfish that do not meet the needs of kale. The height of the kale also affects the color of the leaves, which causes some of the kale leaves to turn yellow.

Does fish stocking rate affect the photosynthesis of Lactuca sativa grown in an aquaponic system?

Does fish stocking rate affect the photosynthesis of Lactuca sativa grown in an aquaponic system?

Effect of aquaponic water and substratum material on biofilm formation by Aeromonas hydrophila

Aeromonas hydrophila is a zoonotic pathogen causing illness in fish and susceptible humans. This emerging pathogen has been isolated within aquaponic systems and could cause disease in fish and a hazard to humans consuming aquaponic produce. This study determined whether A. hydrophila from an aquaponic farm could form biofilms in aquaponic water and on materials used in these systems. A. hydrophila biofilm biomass and cell density in aquaponic water were evaluated by crystal violet staining and culture-based enumeration. Biofilm biomass and biofilm cell density were affected by the water source and A. hydrophila isolate (P < 0.05). A. hydrophila formed the most biomass from the beginning of deep-water culture (BDWC) water (OD570 0.202 ± 0.066) and the least from the end of deep-water culture (EDWC) water (OD570 0.140 ± 0.036; P < 0.05). Enumerated A. hydrophila from the biofilm varied among water sources; the fish tank water supported the greatest cell density (7.04 ± 0.71 log CFU/mL) while the EDWC supported the lowest cell density (6.76 ± 0.83 log CFU/mL). Biofilm formation was also evaluated on aquaponic materials such as nylon, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene liner, bead filter, and foam. Biofilm formation on the liner had the greatest population (2.39 ± 0.022 log CFU/cm2), and the bead had the least (0.64 ± 0.039 log CFU/cm2; P < 0.05). Pathogenic organisms, such as A. hydrophila, may pose a greater risk to produce harvested from the BDWC and MDWC due to greater biofilm formation.

Budidaya Hidroponik Pakcoy (Brassica Rapa L) dan Ikan Nila dengan Sistem Aquaponik (Studi Kasus Desa Losari Nganjuk)

Aquaponics is a combined system of fish farming techniques and hydroponic plant cultivation. Fish manure and feed residues are very dependent on the supply of nutrients in the aquaponic system of red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) aquaculture. The level of production of vegetable crops in a certain area is also influenced by the total nutrient input ratio of feed to domestic fish per day. The aquaponic system utilizes optimum water supply for each commodity by utilizing a recirculation system. The type of fish used is fish that live in freshwater, a type of tilapia. Fish farming includes the maintenance of fish, which pays attention to the growth and development of fish. Hydroponics itself is a way of farming without using soil as a medium but using water which contains controlled nutrients containing the essential elements needed for plant growth. The location of this research was conducted in Losari Village, Kec. Gondang, Kab. sleepy. It aims to increase the demand for vegetables, limited land and space, efficiency in land use, and decoration. In addition, this cultivation system allows for increased production of cultivated products with limited land and water sources, and creates its own beauty. (9 pt).&#x0D;

Implementasi INVOPER (Inovasi Pertanian) dengan Sistem Aquaponik sebagai Teknologi Tepat Guna dalam Budidaya Lele

Technological developments, especially in agriculture, must develop because of the increase in population and climate change requires us to look for innovative sustainable solutions in agriculture because agriculture is a very basic field in human life. Therefore, our group which is a group of students who carry out service in Penjaringansari village made an agricultural innovation with an appropriate technology aquaponics system in catfish cultivation as one of its work programs.This service is carried out by the method of active participation approach of partner groups that is tailored to the needs of the community by our group. The initial stage carried out is catfish cultivation then combines with a hydroponic system in plants to form an aquaponics system. The treatment process is carried out by checking thoroughly regularly.This service program is expected to provide benefits for the people of Penjaringansari Village and can be implemented properly after the completion of KKN. This program aims to improve food security and community independence through limited land use in the yard.&#x0D;

AQUAPONICS AS A SOLUTION FOR FAMILY FOOD SECURITY IN URBAN AREAS

Food security is one of the main challenges in urban areas, where land is limited and access to food resources is limited. Aquaponics, as an integrated system of aquaculture and hydroponics, has been recognized as an innovative solution to meet food needs in urban areas by utilizing land efficiently and optimizing the use of water resources. This study aims to evaluate the potential of aquaponics as a solution to family food security in urban areas. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. The results of this study indicate that aquaponics has significant potential in increasing family food security in urban areas. The aquaponic system is capable of simultaneously producing a wide variety of vegetables and fish, providing a balanced source of protein and nutrition for the family. In addition, aquaponics can also be applied in urban environments that have limited land by using vertical spaces or controlled container systems. The conclusion from this research is that aquaponics has great potential as a solution for family food security in urban areas. In order to optimize this potential, policies and programs are needed that support the implementation of aquaponics as a sustainable food alternative in urban areas.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Effect of Magnetic Water on The Growth of the Nile Tilapia and Lettuce Plant in the Aquaponic System

Effect of Magnetic Water on The Growth of the Nile Tilapia and Lettuce Plant in the Aquaponic System

Effect of Different Stocking Density on the Growth of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Aquaponics Budikdamber System

Budikdamber (fish farming in buckets) is an innovation from the aquaponics system that is carried out to keep catfish (C. gariepinus) and plants in the same container. In the Budikdamber system, it is important to pay attention to the high and low density of fish stocking because the rearing container used is a bucket. The purpose of this research was to determine the growth rate and survival rate of catfish at different stocking densities. This research was conducted with 3 treatments and each treatment had 3 repetitions, treatment A (40 fish/m3), treatment B (80 fish/m3), and treatment C (120 fish/m3). The observations showed that the highest specific growth rate of catfish was found in treatment A with a value of 12.74%, followed by treatment B 12.55% and treatment C 12.20%. The highest survival rate of catfish was found in treatment A, which was 90.8%, followed by treatment B at 87.9%, and treatment C at 86.7%. The highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) of catfish was found in treatment B, which was 0.475, followed by treatment A at 0.445, and the lowest FCR value was found in treatment C, which was 0.368. Water quality parameters measured during observations included dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, acidity (pH), nitrite and nitrate, where all water quality parameters were still considered optimal for growth and survival of catfish.

Improvement Proposal based on the Optimization of Environmental Variables for the Production of an Aquaponic System (Greenhouse) at the Campus "Los Robles", Fundación Universitaria de Popayán, Colombia

Abstract: The research focuses on the analysis of environmental variables and the operation of a greenhouse used for the production of fish and plants under aquaponic technology. It is important to mention the existence of studies on these techniques, although they do not represent and provide the totality of knowledge on the processes that occur in them, from their design and materiality. This work intends to make a contribution to sustainable production in aquaponic systems (greenhouse), studying the variables that most affect the development of plants and fish. The research was carried out in the aquaponic prototype of the "Los Robles" campus of the Fundación Universitaria de Popayán, Colombia. Initially, the effect of the physical and environmental parameters of the greenhouse was analyzed, such as design, production area, structure, climate and environment, which are variables that influence the productive performance of the greenhouses (fish and plants installed). With the results obtained from the analysis of environmental variables, improvements are proposed to optimize the production system. This proposal aims to contribute to food security and the social and productive reactivation of the communities in the region.