Aquaponic System Research Articles

Production of Flathead Grey Mullet (Mugil cephalus) and Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in a Coupled Aquaponic System under Suboptimal Water Temperatures

The combined production of three varieties of lettuce (romaine, iceberg, and red leaf) with flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) was tested in triplicate in three independent coupled aquaponic units with no thermal control. For this purpose, a total of 114 fish (2.5 kg/m3) were stocked in each fish tank (2 m3), and 92 lettuces were planted in the hydroponic unit (6 m2). As no thermal control was included in the design of the aquaponic system, water temperatures declined from maximum values of 20.4 °C to minimum values of 5.0 °C, which directly affected fish growth. However, the conditions imposed by the aquaponic system were suitable for promoting lettuce’s growth and external appearance, as no pests or leaf discoloration were noticed. Lettuce survival was similar among the three tested varieties (98.5 ± 1.7%). The yields for the romaine and iceberg varieties were 384 ± 100 g/lettuce and 316 ± 70 g/lettuce, respectively, and that for the red leaf variety was lower, at 176 ± 75 g/lettuce. Yield values ranged between 3.6 and 4.4 kg/m2 depending on the replicate considered (4.0 ± 0.4 kg/m2). According to present results, each aquaponic unit required ca. 2.6–2.7 L of water per unit of lettuce produced.

Evaluation of dietary Fe on juvenile mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio var. specularis) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. ramosa Hort) in recirculating aquaponic system

In this study, we assessed the effects of dietary Fe level on the growth performance, nutritional status and health condition of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio var. specularis) (12.59 ± 1.73 g), production and quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. ramosa Hort) in recirculating aquaponic system for a 60-day feeding trial. Five semi-purified diets with ferrous sulfate as the iron source were used in the feeding trail, which were: T1 (53.81 mg Fe/kg); T2 (118.83 mg Fe/kg); T3 (209.24 mg Fe/kg); T4 (328.44 mg Fe/kg); T5 (498.74 mg Fe/kg). The findings indicated the following: (1) The growth results showed that compare to other groups, the weight gain of mirror carp in Group T2 was the highest, and the feed conversion ratio was the lowest (P < 0.05). (2) The body composition results showed that muscle crude fat and crude protein of the mirror carp significantly increase in the T2 group compared to the T1 group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the C20:5n-3 levels in both the T2 and T3 groups were significantly higher than that of T1 group (P < 0.05). (3) Group T2 exhibited the highest liver superoxide dismutase activity, with significantly elevated catalase activity compared to the other groups (P < 0.05), and the liver malondialdehyde content in group T2 was significantly lower than the T4 and T5 groups (P < 0.05). (4) The morphological measurements of intestinal tissues in mirror carp showed that compared to Group T1 and Group T5, Group T2 exhibited the highest villus length and muscular layer thickness (P < 0.05). (5) The lowest yield of lettuce is in the T1group (3.35 kg/m2/month), and the highest yield (3.96 kg/m2/month) is in the T5 group, along with the highest chlorophyll and soluble sugar content (P < 0.05). (6) The T5 group had the highest nitrogen utilization efficiency (69.44%), while the T1 group had the lowest nitrogen utilization efficiency (58.37%). In addition, the different dietary iron levels did not adversely affect the water quality of the aquaponic systems. Based on the line regression analysis of weight gain and feed conversion ratio with feed iron content, it was found that the most suitable iron content in feed is 118.22–120.44 mg/kg, and the production and quality of lettuce will increase with the increase of feed iron content. According to the results of fish and vegetable growth, as well as nitrogen utilization efficiency, it is suggested that the dietary iron level in the feed of juvenile mirror carp utilized within aquaponic systems should ideally fall within the range of 120–200 mg/kg.

Exploring the Potential of Biostimulants to Optimize Lettuce Cultivation in Coupled and Decoupled Aquaponics Systems: Growth Performance, Functional Characteristics and Metabolomic Analysis

Zero-discharge and low-input aquaponics systems are a promising alternative to the intensive agricultural and aquacultural production systems currently used, ensuring high environmental sustainability. However, new approaches and management practices are needed to increase their productivity to reach the yields of classic production systems. In this context, the present study investigated for the first time the potential of two biostimulants to improve lettuce performance in aquaponics, whether coupled or decoupled, with hydroponics serving as a control. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted to assess the plant functional (focusing on the photosynthetic process evaluation) and growth responses at the whole-plant level. In addition, the nutritional state of the leaves was determined and metabolomic analysis was performed at the cellular level, the latter also for the first time in aquaponics research. The results demonstrated the limitations that coupled aquaponics poses in relation to lettuce growth, function and metabolism, which were already obvious from the 12th day of the experiment. Indicatively, the plants grown under coupled aquaponics exhibited a notable decrease in the leaf fresh weight, potassium content and nitrogen content, with reductions of 80%, 60%, and 30%, respectively, in comparison to the hydroponics control. However, the combined physiological and metabolomic data indicate that these plants down-regulate processes and metabolism to acclimate to low nutrient levels in lettuce leaves rather than experiencing damage. The application of biostimulants did not significantly optimize the plants’ performance, though one of them appeared to be effective in improving some aspects of the photochemical efficiency. The decoupled and hydroponics systems resulted in similarly high yields and efficiency in terms of plant function, without any marked contribution from the biostimulants. We conclude that the decoupled aquaponics system has been successful in achieving yields comparable to those of hydroponics, with lower chemical inputs. Future studies should focus on examining other biostimulants in this system to further improve its performance while maintaining its environmental benefits within a circular economy framework.

Effect of an Ipomoea aquatica Floating Raft on the Water Quality, Antioxidant System, Non-Specific Immune Responses, and Microbial Diversity of Penaeus vannamei in an Aquaculture System

Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) is one of the main shrimp species cultivated around the world. Despite its high yields and easy handling, water pollution from intensive shrimp cultivation remains a serious problem in China. In this study, a compound aquaculture model of P. vannamei and water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) was used to investigate the effect of a water spinach floating raft on water quality, antioxidants, non-specific immune response, growth performance, and microbial diversity. The experimental design of this study consisted of two groups with three replicates for each, i.e., control group: aquatic monoculture (AM) system with only P. vannamei; treatment group: P. vannamei-I. aquatica raft aquaponics (AP) system with a 50% cover ratio with a water spinach floating raft. The experiment lasted for seven weeks. The results show that the concentrations of total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), nitrite nitrogen (NO2−-N), and active phosphorus (AP) in the AM group were higher than those in the AP group at different sampling times. The water quality index of the AP group was better than that of the AM group, indicating that water spinach can remove the nutrients from aquaculture water bodies. The average daily gain and survival rate of shrimp in the AP group were higher than those in the AM group. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and acid phosphatase (ACP) in the AP group were better than those in the AM group. The Shannon–Wiener and Simpson indices of the gut, water, and sediment of the AP system were significantly higher than those in the AM system, which implied a higher abundance of microorganisms in the AP system. These results demonstrate that the application of a water spinach floating raft in aquaponics can not only improve the water quality, but also improve the growth performance, antioxidant system, and non-specific immune responses of Pacific white shrimp, while increasing the abundance of microorganisms in the aquaculture system and improving the ecological benefits in terms of the expenditure.

Isolation and Identification of Lysinibacillus sp. and Its Effects on Solid Waste as a Phytate-Mineralizing Bacterium in an Aquaponics System

Isolation and Identification of Lysinibacillus sp. and Its Effects on Solid Waste as a Phytate-Mineralizing Bacterium in an Aquaponics System

IoT and machine learning approach for the determination of optimal freshwater replenishment rate in aquaponics system

IoT and machine learning approach for the determination of optimal freshwater replenishment rate in aquaponics system

Possibility Of Using Sonneratia Caseolaris (L.) Engl) In the Aquaponic Model with White Shrimp combined with Tilapia

The Aquaponic system has been widely implemented in various locations, primarily in freshwater environments, requiring adaptation to be compatible with saltwater ecosystems. The objective of this research is to explore the wastewater treatment capability of the Sonneratia caseolaris in a saltwater environment when applied to a recirculating aquaponic model for white-leg shrimp cultivation. The investigative process involves cultivation and determination of the water treatment coefficient of the Sonneratia caseolaris. The environmental parameters under scrutiny include NH4 +, NO2 −, NO3 −, and total phosphorus per gram of plant biomass. Phase 1 consists of seedling production and model design; when the plants reach three months old, they will be tested with shrimp wastewater to assess their treatment capabilities. The results will provide parameters for operating the model in Phase 2. In Phase 2, the aquaponic model involves shrimp tanks (300 shrimp/1 m3), fish tanks (50 fish/0.5 m3), and the plant’s cultivation system. In Phase 1, the plant demonstrated treatment efficiencies of 90% for NH4 +, 95% for NO2-, 32% for NO3 −, and 27% for total phosphorus after 7 days. The treatment coefficients achieved were as follows (mg/g plants biomass): NH4 +: 0.006, NO2 − 0.005, NO3 − 0.017, total phosphorus: 0.057. Transitioning to Phase 2, the results confirm that the aquaponic model, incorporating Sonneratia caseolaris for water recirculation in shrimp farming, is not only technically feasible for small-scale aquaponic models but also scalable for large-scale farm production. Furthermore, the leaves and fruits of Sonneratia caseolaris can serve as a supplementary herbal source for aquaculture species, enhancing the economic sustainability of the recirculating model.

Phenotyping revealed tolerance traits and genotypes for acidity and aluminum toxicity in European Vicia faba L.

Soil acidity is a global issue; soils with pH <4.5 are widespread in Europe. This acidity adversely affects nutrient availability to plants; pH levels <5.0 lead to aluminum (Al3+) toxicity, a significant problem that hinders root growth and nutrient uptake in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and its symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium. However, little is known about the specific traits and tolerant genotypes among the European faba beans. This study aimed to identify response traits associated with tolerance to root zone acidity and Al3+ toxicity and potentially tolerant genotypes for future breeding efforts. Germplasm survey was conducted using 165 genotypes in a greenhouse aquaponics system. Data on the root and shoot systems were collected. Subsequently, 12 genotypes were selected for further phenotyping in peat medium, where data on physiological and morphological parameters were recorded along with biochemical responses in four selected genotypes. In the germplasm survey, about 30% of genotypes showed tolerance to acidity and approximately 10% exhibited tolerance to Al3+, while 7% showed tolerance to both. The phenotyping experiment indicated diverse morphological and physiological responses among treatments and genotypes. Acid and Al3+ increased proline concentration. Interaction between genotype and environment was observed for ascorbate peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde, and proline concentrations. Genomic markers associated with acidity and acid+Al3+-toxicity tolerances were identified using GWAS analysis. Four faba bean genotypes with varying levels of tolerance to acidity and Al3+ toxicity were identified.

Aquaponics Vs. Recirculating Aquaculture System: Assessing Productivity and Water Use Efficiency of Native Fish Species Empurau (Tor tambroides) and Jelawat (Leptobarbus hoevenii) Compared to Red Hybrid Tilapia

A 3 × 2 (fish species × culture system) factorial design experiment was conducted to compare productivity of empurau (Tor tambroides), jelawat (Leptobarbus hoevenii) and red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis sp., control) cultured in recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and aquaponics system. Growth performance, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and survival rate of fish were evaluated, and water quality of all tanks throughout the 70-days experiment was determined. In the present study, FCR of tilapia, empurau and jelawat tended to be lower in aquaponics than RAS, while no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) on weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) between RAS and aquaponics for each fish species were observed. Although tilapia had significantly higher WG and SGR, and lower FCR compare to empurau and jelawat, the survival rate of empurau and jelawat were higher than tilapia, regardless of the culture system. Between empurau and jelawat, better growth performance was observed in aquaponics than in RAS. Significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) ammonia and nitrite concentrations were shown in RAS tanks as compared to aquaponics tanks, regardless of the fish species. Jelawat might have wide range tolerance to ammonia as no mortality in both RAS and aquaponics, while tilapia and empurau had higher survival rate in aquaponics than RAS. In summary, aquaponics appears to be a viable approach to enrich variety and improve fish production in an environmentally responsible manner. Therefore, it is plausible to advocate for the use of aquaponics as a sustainable methods of farming native fish species in Malaysia.

Bibliographic Review of Aquaponic Systems and their Relevance to Côte d’Ivoire, a Sub-Saharan African Country

Through a review of aquaponic techniques, the present work highlights the interest aroused by this practice in the world as well as different modes of exploitation. Aquaponics is defined as a coupling between a recirculated aquaculture compartment and an aboveground crop compartment. Since two decades, it has been the subject of a significant economic activity in Canada, the USA, Australia and induces numerous research activities. This system is subdivided into three (3) major techniques which are the culture techniques on bed of inert substrates, on nutritive film and that of rafts. Aquaponics is the subject of profitable industrial economic activity on both large and small scale in the USA and Canada. Given the benefits of low water consumption, then on-use of fertilizers and pesticides, aquaponics is unquestionably according to researchers and users, the system capable of revolutionizing livestock farming and agriculture around the world. Côte d'Ivoire is suffering not only from the consequences of climate change but also from rapid urbanization, with the consequent change in water resources. Aquaponics deserves to be mastered then popularized in this country, to help produce fish and plants of better quality while avoiding the waste of water caused by traditional livestock systems.

Ecopesantren As Empowering Boarding Boarding Communities Through Land Conversion Movement

The problem of limited access to fulfill food needs, especially for pesantren communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, led Pondok Pesantren Hajar Aswad, Sunan Pandanaran Foundation to initiate a land conversion movement to promote food security. With the concept of greenhouses, empty land is converted into food source land by implementing the aquaponic cultivation method. This research aims to understand how the ecopesantren program can empower the pesantren community (santri, pesantren residents, surrounding communities) through land conversion movements, as well as a new form of social movement. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study research type. The results of this study show that (1) the application of the greenhouse method as a form of conversion of vacant land by pesantren has succeeded in realizing food security and economic independence. (2) the pesantren community participates in each other and has the same role in its management. (3) This management has a socio-ecological impact, namely increasing social awareness and improving the economy of the pesantren community, as well as contributing to the welfare and preservation of the surrounding environment. This shows that the pesantren community is empowered through the ecopesantren program, one of which utilizes the land by carrying out the movement to convert vacant land into greenhouses using the aquaponics system to support food security and encourage economic independence in the pesantren community.

Enhancing Indoor Culture of Weather Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) and Caipira Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in a Decoupled FLOCponics System

Interest in aquaponics (AP) is increasing due to its ability to minimize sewage and maximize feed efficiency in fish farming. However, owing to limitations of intensive cultures and a lack of nutrients such as NO3 for growing crops, AP requires the use of artificial nutrients. Therefore, novel approaches are required to develop AP-intensive culturing methods. An AP system based on biofloc technology (BFT) called FLOCponics (FP) has been recommended. Here, the productivity of the weather loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) in the FP system, BFT system, and flow-through systems (FTSs), as well as these systems’ effect on Caipira lettuce (Lactuca sativa) growth, was analyzed. To compare crop productivity, a hydroponic (HP) bed was installed. The growth rate of M. anguillicaudatus showed significant differences, at 51.1 ± 3.69% in the FP system, followed by 24.0 ± 4.16% in the BFT system and −14.3 ± 1.4% in the FTS. Its survival rates were better in the FP system (91.1 ± 2.64%) than in the BFT system (82.1 ± 10.98%) or the FTS (66.8 ± 2.75%) (p &lt; 0.05). Total ammonia nitrogen and NO2−-N concentrations were stabilized in every plot during the experimental period. However, the NO3−-N concentration continuously increased in the BFT system but decreased in the FP system and was maintained. The shoot weight of the Caipira lettuce was 163.6 ± 8.65 g in the FP system and 149.6 ± 9.05 g in the HP system. In conclusion, FP system can provide a large amount of nutrients and improve the growth performance of both fish and crops in the FP system.

Acclimation of key photosynthetic traits drives edible biomass increases in crop species grown in aquaponics

Sustainable agriculture practices may contribute to increasing food demand while alleviating issues with fertilizer over-use and water availability in traditional agriculture. Aquaponics systems provide plants with a constant supply of nutrient dense water from fish efflux. Root uptake filters the fish efflux and water is recycled back to fish tanks, reducing the water needed to produce both plants and fish. Plants acclimate their physiology and anatomy to changing environments, yet, the degree of acclimation in aquaponics is unknown. We tested if acclimation of leaf physiology and anatomy to constant water and nutrient supply in aquaponics affected edible yield. We measured acclimation of leaf gas exchange (Asat, gsw), photosynthetic capacity (Jmax,Vcmax), stomatal density and chlorophyll production by comparing plants grown in aquaponics or soil for three species: Lactuca sativa (Romaine lettuce), Triticum aestivum (Winter Wheat), and Ocimum basilicum (Basil). We hypothesized that non-limiting nitrogen supply in aquaponics would drive increased production of chlorophyll, increasing electron transport rate (Jmax) and carboxylation rate (Vcmax). Additionally, constant water supply in aquaponics would remove limitations driving stomatal closure, leading to higher photosynthesis rates. We found aquaponics plants produced more chlorophyll, driving increased photosynthetic capacity through higher Jmax and Vcmax. Additionally, aquaponics plants increased photosynthesis rates (Asat) via higher stomatal conductance (gsw) of fewer stomata. Acclimation of key photosynthetic traits in aquaponics plants resulted in more edible biomass compared to soil grown plants, often with reduced investment in root production. Overall, aquaponics appears well suited to producing higher yields of certain crop species, while also reducing environmental impacts.

Towards a zero-waste aquaponics-centered eco-industrial food park

The scarcity of natural resources, rising energy prices and strict environmental policies are incentives for the food industry to reform current production strategies. As part of this shift, the eco-industrial park concept is gaining momentum. Industrial aquaponics, integrating aquaculture and hydroponics, emerges as a pioneering food production system. Its focus on reusing and conserving resources aligns with eco-industrial parks. The novel concept of an aquaponics-centered eco-industrial food park fits into a biobased circular economy and supports large-scale exploitation to overcome current economic constraints that prevent commercial adoption. However, balancing aquaponics-centered eco-industrial food parks to minimize external inputs as well as waste is challenging. The present study aims to investigate how a quasi-dynamic optimization method can be used in the design of aquaponics-centered eco-industrial food parks under different seasonal weather conditions. The food park encompasses an aquaculture-hydroponic and anaerobic digestion system that mineralizes internal waste streams. The study prioritizes enhancing nitrogen and phosphorus use-efficiency and self-sufficiency. The results unveil specific optimal hydroponic system sizes for a standardized 100 m3 aquaculture volume. Cooler regions thrive around 0.6–1.0 ha hydroponic system, while warmer areas excel at 0.2–0.3 ha with corresponding nitrogen and phosphorus use-efficiencies of 90% and 67% and self-sufficiencies of 88% and 95%, respectively. A supernatant nitrification step with light supplementation improved the design with maximum self-sufficiency and high water use-efficiency of 88% for a hydroponic-aquaculture area-volume ratio of 0.22:100. Complete nitrogen and phosphorus self-sufficient, near zero-waste, food park was achieved by introducing mineralization of chicken manure for a hydroponic-aquaculture ratio of 1.1:100. Moreover, the food park yielded a 6.7-fold lower carbon footprint compared to an optimized traditional on-demand coupled aquaponics system with a hydroponic-aquaculture ratio of 0.15:100.

Nitrogenous compounds, fish and plant growth were impacted by hydraulic loading rates on the aquaponic bed with açai seed (Euterpe oleracea)

The study investigated the hydraulic loading rate (HLR) for an aquaponic bed with açai seed in a hybrid system with tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). 240 juveniles tambaqui with an initial average weight and length of 21.8 ± 7.74 g and 11.28 ± 6.88 cm were distributed in 12 independent aquaponics systems. HLRs were calculated and four different rates of 1.4, 5.4, 13.6 and 23.3 m3 day−1 m−2 were established, all in triplicate and applied for eight weeks. Water quality, as well as fish growth performance, germination and growth of açai seeds were evaluated. HLRs modified dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, conductivity, total dissolved solids, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate between treatments. Ammonia removals (mg h−1) were 2.6 times higher in HLR of 23.3 and 13.6 m3 day−1 m−2. Phytotechnical performance of açai seedlings (germination) and fish growth performance were significantly reduced at HLR 1.4 m3 day– 1 m−2. The final weights of the tambaqui were significantly higher (116.3 ± 5.77 g) at HLR 5.4 m3 day−1 m−2. Given the results observed, the HLR for improved system performance was 13.6 m3 day−1 m−2, considering the experimental model presented in the present study.

Nutrient-efficient catfish-based aquaponics for producing lamb's lettuce at two light intensities.

Aquaponic systems are sustainable processes of managing water and nutrients for food production. An innovate nutrient-efficient catfish-based (Clarias gariepinus) aquaponics system was implemented for producing two cultivars of two leafy vegetables largely consumed worldwide: lamb's lettuce (Valerianella locusta var. Favor and Valerianella locusta var. de Hollande) and arugula (Eruca vesicaria var. sativa and Eruca sativa). Different growing treatments (4 × 2 factorial design) were applied to plants of each cultivar, grown at two light intensities (120 and 400 μmol m-2 s-1). During growth, several morphological characteristics (root length, plant height, leaf number, foliage diameter and biggest leaf length) were measured. At harvest, plants were weighed and examined qualitatively in terms of greenness and health status. Additionally, leaf extracts were obtained and used to determine total phenolic contents, antioxidant capacities, and levels of cytotoxicity to Caco-2 intestinal model cells. After a 5-week growth period, both lamb's lettuce cultivars presented high levels of greenness and health status, at both light intensities, particularly the var. de Hollande that also showed higher average performance in terms of plant morphology. In turn, arugula cultivars showed lower levels of greenness and health status, especially the cultivar E. vesicaria var. sativa submitted to direct sunlight during growth. In addition, plant specimens submitted to higher levels of light intensity showed higher contents in antioxidants/polyphenols. Cultivars with a higher content in antioxidants/polyphenols led to higher Caco-2 cell viability. For successful industrial implementation of the aquaponics technology, different and optimized acclimatizing conditions must be applied to different plant species and cultivars. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Water Quality and Growth Performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Chia (Salvia hispanica) and Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) in a Media-based Aquaponics System

High ammonia levels in enclosed fish production systems negatively impact fish growth and hinder optimum production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the (i) biofiltration potential of chia (Salvia hispanica) and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) (ii) the influence of the plant filters on water quality and fish growth in an aquaponic system. Treatments included a control-without plants, S. hispanica, and C. citratus aquaponic systems. The study was conducted for 3 months in Aqualife fish farm, Machakos, Kenya. Water quality parameters, growth performance of fish and plants were monitored during the experiment. The plant treatments significantly (P&lt; 0.05) reduced ammonia levels compared to the control (0.07 ± 0.17 mgL-1). There was a remarkable 32-fold decrease in ammonia compared to the hydroponic inlet. Planted aquaponic systems significantly (P &lt; 0.05) reduced nitrite and nitrate concentrations compared to the control, indicating effective nutrient cycling and improved water quality. Notably, both S. hispanica (115. 5 ± 3.2 g) and C. citratus (130.3 ± 3.32 g) systems significantly (P &lt; 0.05) boosted the growth performance of O. niloticus compared to the control (113. 5 ± 3.2 g). C. citratus performed better (450 ± 9.17 g) than S. hispanica (217.6 ± 2.52 g). These findings highlight the potential of the plants as sustainable and efficient biofilters, enhancing overall aquaponic system performance and contributing to a more productive and environmentally friendly approach to food production.

Assessing the Performance of Off-Grid Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants in Supporting Aquaponics Systems

In an aquaponics system, the electricity produced by photovoltaic solar power (PLTS) is stored in batteries and used to power the water pumps. Using natural microorganisms to transform fish waste into plant nutrients, aquaponics is a cultivation method that blends fish and plant cultivation. The aquaponics system helps reduce the amount of trash released into the environment and is beneficial to the environment. The main goal of this study is to evaluate an off-grid PLTS system's functionality as a DC water pump power source in an aquaponics setting. This study's goal is to evaluate how well the PLTS operates when powering the DC water pump that circulates water in the aquaponics system.According to performance tests, the off-grid PLTS generates an average energy of 503.8 Wh, which is enough to power the DC pump for 20 hours a day of water circulation. The water pump uses only 382.6 Wh of electricity each day. With an average solar panel efficiency of 4.97%, an average solar charge controller (SCC) efficiency of 60.51%, and an average pump efficiency of 79.91%, the Off-grid PLTS demonstrates efficiency. With a daily solar irradiation of 7.8 kWh/m2, the average energy loss in the solar panel is 5.29 kWh/kWp, whereas the average energy loss in the system is 0.10 kWh/kWp. All things considered, these results provide insight into how well the Off-grid PLTS functions as a power source for the DC water pump in an aquaponics system.

Environmental impacts on algal-bacterial-based aquaponics system by different types of carbon source addition: water quality and greenhouse gas emission.

Carbon source addition is an important way improving the carbon and nitrogen transformation in aquaculture system; however, its effectiveness of algal-bacterial-based aquaponics (AA) through carbon source addition is still vague. In this study, the influences of organic carbon (OC-AA system) and inorganic carbon (IC-AA system) addition and without carbon source addition (C-AA system) on the operational performance of AA system were investigated. Results showed that 10.1-19.5% increase of algal-bacterial biomass enhanced the purifying effect of ammonia nitrogen in OC-AA system and IC-AA system relative to C-AA system. Moreover, extra electron donor supply in the OC-AA system obtained the lowest NO3--N concentration. However, that was at the cost of aggravated N2O conversion ratio, which increased by more than 2.0-folds than other systems, attributing to 2.9-folds increase of nirS gene abundance. In addition, carbon source addition increased the pH and then decreased the fish biomass production of AA system. The results of this study would provide theoretical supports of carbon source addition on the performance of nutrient transformation and greenhouse gas effect in AA system.

Bioactivities of helichrysum cymosum cultivated in aquaponic, hydroponic and field systems

Bioactivities of helichrysum cymosum cultivated in aquaponic, hydroponic and field systems