Fish Waste Research Articles

Optimizing biodiesel production from waste with computational chemistry, machine learning and policy insights: a review

AbstractThe excessive reliance on fossil fuels has resulted in an energy crisis, environmental pollution, and health problems, calling for alternative fuels such as biodiesel. Here, we review computational chemistry and machine learning for optimizing biodiesel production from waste. This article presents computational and machine learning techniques, biodiesel characteristics, transesterification, waste materials, and policies encouraging biodiesel production from waste. Computational techniques are applied to catalyst design and deactivation, reaction and reactor optimization, stability assessment, waste feedstock analysis, process scale-up, reaction mechanims, and molecular dynamics simulation. Waste feedstock comprise cooking oil, animal fat, vegetable oil, algae, fish waste, municipal solid waste and sewage sludge. Waste cooking oil represents about 10% of global biodiesel production, and restaurants alone produce over 1,000,000 m3 of waste vegetable oil annual. Microalgae produces 250 times more oil per acre than soybeans and 7–31 times more oil than palm oil. Transesterification of food waste lipids can produce biodiesel with a 100% yield. Sewage sludge represents a significant biomass waste that can contribute to renewable energy production.

Circular bioeconomy ecosystems: Hydroxyapatite from fish waste at Rio de Janeiro

AbstractThe transition to a low‐carbon economy endangered the revenues of many oil‐dependent regions. This is the case in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, which has become highly dependent on oil and gas royalties since the 1970s. At the same time, the circular blue bioeconomy has emerged as a pathway for environmentally sound socioeconomic development. In such a context, a biological resource in many oil‐dependent regions is fish processing residue, from which high added‐value compounds can be obtained, such as collagen, hydroxyapatite, gelatin, lipids, enzymes, hydrolysates, and bioactive peptides. The present study aims to understand the potential for a future fish waste hydroxyapatite (FHAp) market in the state of Rio de Janeiro (SRJ). The methodological approach integrates technology roadmapping with market and innovation ecosystem assessment. We found that the main techniques for obtaining FHAp were chemical hydrolysis and calcination, and the most innovative and value‐added applications were biomaterial for tissue regeneration (BTR) and physical sunblock (PS). The mapping of SRJ companies showed that the state has qualified players in cosmetic and biomedical industries that could develop innovations in BTR and PS made of FHAp. However, the mapping also showed a gap in the FHAp extraction stage, which is essential for the value chain. To find and encourage players to compound this innovation ecosystem, the public power can therefore act as an articulator, providing financial incentives and creating infrastructural conditions, such as a waste pretreatment plant next to the state fishing pole.

Development of low-cost natural adsorbent for the abatement of pollution from tannery effluent – A green technology

Tanneries are known to be one of the most polluting industries due to the generation of harmful contaminants at various stages, from the beam house to finishing. Each day, significant quantities of tannery wastewater containing contaminants like chromium salts are released into open areas, farmlands, rivers and other corpses of water. This practice poses a severe threat to the environment health, leading to extensive soil and water pollution. In this study, a biological material (scales of fish Catla catla) is employed as an adsorbent for biosorption of contaminants from tannery effluent. Every day a considerable amount of fish scales is generated and thrown away from the local fish market, which burdens the environment and causes environmental pollution. The primary emphasis of this study is to reduce wastewater pollution and the environmental burden of fish waste disposal. Two adsorbents were prepared by treating the dried fish scales with NaOH and Orthophosphoric acid to enhance the adsorbent properties by creating pores and roughness of the surface. Then, it was characterized using FTIR, SEM, and TGA analyses. After characterization, adsorbents were subjected to the adsorption of a standard chromium solution to detect the ideal adsorbent dose, contact time, and pH conditions of adsorption. The study's findings showed that during adsorption, the maximum uptake capacity of acid-treated adsorbent is found at pH 4 with an adsorbent dose of 20 g/L for a 60-minute contact time. That base-treated adsorbent is obtained at pH 2.50 with an adsorbent amount of 20 g/L for 4 hours of contact time. Then, the adsorbents were used to treat tannery effluents, and it was discovered that they successfully removed pollutants like chromic oxide, total suspended solids (TSD), total dissolved solids (TDS), BOD, COD, and others. The results indicated that the acid-treated adsorbent achieved optimal removal percentages for chromic oxide, BOD5, COD, TDS, and TSS at 72.82%, 42.85%, 56.12%, 13.37%, and 35%, respectively. Thus, the study concluded that acid and base-washed fish scale adsorbents are affordable and straightforward to use adsorbents for removing pollutants from tannery effluent.

Shapley-Shubik Agents Within Superstructure-Based Recycling Model: Circular Economy Approaches for Fish Waste Eco-Industrial Park

The tremendous production of fish has resulted in an increased fish waste generation, which ultimately led to the current triple planetary crises on climate, biodiversity, and pollution. In this study, a Fish Waste-based Eco-Industrial Park (FWEIP) model is developed in an attempt to convert the linear economy in existing fish waste management into a circular economy model. Process Graph (P-graph) is used for combinatorial optimization to synthesize optimal FWEIP with the consideration of economic and environmental aspects. The model favors the production of biofuel using the gasification process (Rank 1) with a promising economic benefit of $2.28 million/y without proposing circular synergy within the FWEIP ecosystem. On the other hand, suboptimal solutions—suboptimal 1 (black soldier fly (BSF)) and suboptimal 2 (pyrolysis and gasification) solutions—exhibit gross profit of 17.98% and 24.12% lower than that of the optimal solution. Both suboptimal solutions offer greater circularity with self-sustaining resources (e.g., fish feed, chitosan, and energy). The sensitivity analysis indicates the potential debottlenecking of suboptimal 2 with the use of a catalyst to improve the conversion of bio-oil in the pyrolysis pathway and exhibits a gross profit of 22.54% higher than that of the optimal solution. Following the Shapley-Shubik power index analysis, the hydroponics facility is identified as the pivotal player for both optimal and suboptimal 2 cases with the exception of suboptimal 1 indicating both BSF and hydroponics as a pivotal player. In brief, this research provides the fish waste-based industry with insights and strategies for the implementation of a circular economy as a step toward sustainable development.

Optimisation of Small-Scale Aquaponics Systems Using Artificial Intelligence and the IoT: Current Status, Challenges, and Opportunities

Environment changes, water scarcity, soil depletion, and urbanisation are making it harder to produce food using traditional methods in various regions and countries. Aquaponics is emerging as a sustainable food production system that produces fish and plants in a closed-loop system. Aquaponics is not dependent on soil or external environmental factors. It uses fish waste to fertilise plants and can save up to 90–95% water. Aquaponics is an innovative system for growing food and is expected to be very promising, but it has its challenges. It is a complex ecosystem that requires multidisciplinary knowledge, proper monitoring of all crucial parameters, and high maintenance and initial investment costs to build the system. Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are key technologies that can overcome these challenges. Numerous recent studies focus on the use of AI and the IoT to automate the process, improve efficiency and reliability, provide better management, and reduce operating costs. However, these studies often focus on limited aspects of the system, each considering different domains and parameters of the aquaponics system. This paper aims to consolidate the existing work, identify the state-of-the-art use of the IoT and AI, explore the key parameters affecting growth, analyse the sensing and communication technologies employed, highlight the research gaps in this field, and suggest future research directions. Based on the reviewed research, energy efficiency and economic viability were found to be a major bottleneck of current systems. Moreover, inconsistencies in sensor selection, lack of publicly available data, and the reproducibility of existing work were common issues among the studies.

Synthesis and characterization of poly (acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid)/chitosan (derived from fish scales) for controlled release of amoxicillin drug

AbstractChitosan (CS) can be extracted from waste fish scales through a series of chemical processes, including demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation. The biomaterial poly (acrylamide [AM]‐co‐acrylic acid [AA])/CS is a unique superabsorbent material synthesized through the free radical graft copolymerization method by using AM, AA, and CS powder. During synthesis, ammonium persulfate is used as an initiator, and N, N′‐methylene bisacrylamide is used as a cross‐linker. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy have been studied to know about the morphology and structure of the synthesized superabsorbent materials. The water absorbency of the material continuously increases from day 1 to day 30. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) of the superabsorbent material show adequate thermal stability. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicates that the synthesized biomaterial is virtually amorphous in nature. The percentage of biodegradability increases with time. The encapsulation efficiency of amoxicillin drugs is around 70%, which indicates that the biomaterial is highly efficient for drug release applications. The synthesized novel biomaterial is a low‐cost, eco‐friendly, and thermally stable hydrogel that can be effectively used in drug release applications.Highlights Chitosan (CS)‐based hydrogels are highly pH‐sensitive towards drug release. The biodegradability and swelling behavior of the synthesized biomaterial were studied by adopting a suitable methodology. The novel material formed was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, TGA, and Scanning electron microscopy. The encapsulation efficiency, kinetic study, and controlled drug release behavior of the amoxicillin drug were studied in solutions of simulated gastric fluid and phosphate‐buffered saline. The material developed in this study shows good performance in controlled drug delivery, and is therefore suitable for manufacturing medical devices used in drug delivery.

Potential of Johnius belangerii and Thryssa hamiltonii as fishmeal in Deli Serdang, North Sumatera, Indonesia

An increasing problem in the Indonesian fishing industry is the scarcity of fish feedstuffs due to limited availability of raw materials, rising production costs, and climate change. Fishmeal are crucial in farms as they contain high-quality nutrients that are easily digestible by livestock. This study aims to observe the potential of the region as a producer for layer feedstuffs from fishmeal. This research used 10 kg of fresh Johnius belangerii’s fish and Thryssa hamiltonii’s fish with 5 kg each. The heads of both types of fish were collected to calculate their rendement. The results showed that the rendement percentage of Thryssa hamiltonii’s fish heads was 38.64%, while the yield percentage of Johnius belangerii fish heads was 36.83%. Based on the results it can be concluded that this region has significant potential in fishmeal from fisheries waste. 3 warehouses, Deli Serdang Regency, particularly Pantai Labu, can produce 19,108 kg of Thryssa hamiltonii fish in a year, utilizing 615.1 kg of head waste, 299 kg of offal waste, and 30.14 tons of protein. Johnius belangerii fish, weighing 20,299 kg with 623 kg of waste and 20.8 tons of protein content, are also produced in Deli Serdang Regency.

Upcycling waste tilapia (oreochromis niloticus) scales through a decellularization process for extracellular matrix extraction

Tilapia scales, typically regarded as low-value biological waste, possess valuable organic components such as collagen and inorganic components such as hydroxyapatite. Converting these wastes into functional biomaterials like decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) contributes to long-term fish waste management to achieve sustainable fish consumption and promote a circular economy by creating a product with a high market value. Triton X-100 (TX-100) and Sodium-dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at varying concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, and 1%) are utilized to extract the extracellular matrix. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these agents in decellularizing the scales and producing a suitable dECM scaffold. Histological analysis using H&E staining revealed a significant decrease in cellular components in the decellularized samples. This was supported by the dsDNA quantification results showing the highest removal rate of 96% in the samples treated with 1% SDS. Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra showed the amide peaks (Amide A, B, I, II, and III) indicating the presence of type I collagen. The confirmation of type I collagen was further supported by the analysis of SDS-PAGE images, which displayed the presence of α1 and α2 chains, β-dimer, and the γ-band. Among the dECM, samples treated with 0.1% TX-100 exhibited the highest protein content, averaging 593.33 ± 17.78 μg mg−1 while 1% SDS showed the lowest protein content averaging 61.33 ± 24.03μg mg−1. All dECM samples demonstrated protein denaturation temperatures ranging from 70–75 °C. This study presents baseline data of the single chemical decellularization treatment method utilized to extract ECM from tilapia scales and its resulting dECM. Further research is recommended to assess the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of the produced dECM and explore its potential applications.

Sensory characteristics of catfish bone flavor enhancer with addition of aromatic citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) extracted with various temperatures and maltodextrin concentration

Fish waste processing is one way to support the development of fishery products and environmental sustainability. Catfish bone powder has an unpleasant aroma. Unpleasant aroma could be reduced by adding spices such as aromatic citronella. This study aims to determine the effect of citronella extract in catfish bone flavor enchancer powder. Experimental design in this study used completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors, variations in temperature differences and maltodextrin concentration. The temperature variations used were 70°C and 80°C and maltodextrin 10% and 15%. The analysis conducted included hedonic characteristics consist of flavor, color, aroma, and texture. Statistical analysis was performed with two-way ANOVA and continued with DMRT (Duncan’s Multiple Range Test) test at the significance level α = 5%. Hedonic test showed that texture analysis ranged from 2.92-3.25, aroma 3.06-3.14, color 2.86-3.31, flavor 3.00-3.14. Adding aromatic citronella increase color and texture hedonic valuation significantly.

Edukasi Masyarakat Jatirejo Mojosongo dalam Meningkatkan Perekonomian melalui Budidaya Maggot Berbasis IoT untuk Pengolahan Sampah Organik

Organic waste makes up the lion's share of solid waste generated by human activities. Therefore, organic waste management efforts are needed to help solve it. One of the efforts that can be made is using BSF larvae to decompose organic waste. BSF larvae or maggots have a high protein and fat content, a chewy texture, and the ability to secrete natural enzymes. BSF females can lay up to 400-800 eggs. After 3-4 days, the eggs will hatch into larvae and consume organic waste, including various types of organic waste such as kitchen, fruits, vegetables, fish, urban, human, and animal waste. The flexibility of BSF larval feed facilitates the cultivation process, and it becomes an ideal insect for decomposing organic waste and becomes a business field because of its fat and protein content. The method of decomposing litter using BSF larvae is quite promising because the opportunities are quite promising, but it is still completely manual. Therefore, IoT-based maggot cultivation, an innovation in maggot cultivation, is needed. IoT design is placed at the maggot breeding stage, with optimal temperature, humidity, and light intensity conditions. This breeding ground is equipped with Arduino, humidity, and temperature sensors to regulate and maintain the best state in each larval breeding process until it becomes a pupa. This design is expected to provide convenience and increase the yield of maggot cultivation.

Efforts to Handle Fish Waste as Animal Feed in Puday Village, Kendari City

UNSULTRA Internal Community Service Activities (PKM-UNSULTRA) carried out by a team of lecturers from the Faculty of Agricultural Technology located at PPS Kendari City. Fish waste can be processed into animal feed, the result of which is simply processed into fish meal. Fish meal as an animal feed ingredient is made from processed residues (waste). Maximizing the use of fish waste will ultimately increase the economic value of the processed waste. Community service activities aim to process feed in the right way and apply it to livestock. Processing fish waste can maximize the economic value of feed. This is intended to be able to process fish waste properly, produce more and run a fishmeal business as animal feed in a more focused manner. The results of the activity show that there has been an increase in knowledge and skills in processing fish waste into better animal feed and there is practical packaging in marketing the product.

The digestibility value of local chicken rations fed with feed containing fermented catfish waste

The study aims to determine the effect of fermented patin fish waste (FPFW) by microbes Lactobacillus paracasei, Bacillus subtilis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (LBS) in rations on the digestibility of dry matter and crude protein, as well as obtain the level of use that produces the best digestibility of dry matter and protein in local chickens. The study used SNC(SNC) aged 14 weeks, as many as 24 tails, kept for 14 days. The experimental design was randomized, with six treatments and four repeats. Ration treatment is R0 (Lower control ration, protein 15% and EM 2750 kcal/kg, without the use of FPFW); R1 (R0 contains 5% FPFW ); R2 (R0 contains 10% FPFW); R3 (R0 contains 15% FPFW); R4 (R0 contains 20% FPFW); and RS (Upper control ration, protein 18% and EM 2750 kcal/kg, without use of FPFW). The results showed that the use of FPFW by LBS microbes had a significant effect (P<0.05) on the digestibility of dry matter and ration protein. Using 10% FPFW in the ration formula provides the best digestibility value of dry matter and crude protein of the ration on SNC.

Ecological footprint of different laying hen production systems in San Jeronimo municipality Antioquia, Colombia

In recent years, fish production has increased worldwide due to population growth and consumer interest in this type of product, proving an increase in the waste generated, with concomitant negative impact on the environment. Ecological footprint methodology is one of the sustainability indicators most used for assessing process environmental impact. This technique quantifies the effect of anthropogenic activities on the environment concerning water, forest products, infrastructure and carbon footprint, providing integral, comparable and reliable results. In this study, the environmental impact generated by taking advantage of red tilapia (Oreochromis Spp.) viscera to produce chemical silage and its implementation in the feeding of laying hens was determined, using the ecological footprint methodology as an indicator of sustainability. The productive system consisted of a red tilapia (Oreochromis ssp.) production farm located in the municipality of San Jerónimo, Antioquia (Colombia). The productive variables of the laying hens, laying percentage, egg weight and feed conversion ratio were evaluated. This chemical silage production process generates a reduction of 1.493 kg of CO2 per month compared to that generated by fresh viscera and are discharged into shallow dumps. Additionally, the main categories that generate the greatest impact on the production system are the use of natural resources and wastewater disposal. On the other hand, the productive variables of laying hens of the Isa Brown breed were not significantly affected by the inclusion of chemical silage at the 95% significance level, maintaining the percentage of laying and improving feed conversion. It was concluded that the use of fish by-products to produce feed for laying hens generates a reduction in the environmental load when compared to conventional waste disposal processes (landfill disposal). Red tilapia (Oreochromis Spp.) viscera chemical silage can be used as an alternative protein substitute in feeding laying hens for improved production performance. Key words: Ecological footprint, fish waste, layer hen, chemical silage, wastewater

Effects Of Administration Of Poc Waste Of Snack Fish And Zpt Hantu On Production And Growth Of Peanut (Vigna Cylindrica L)

Long bean plants (Vigna cylindrica L), one type of long bean horticultural plant, are a source of vitamin C and minerals. Long bean production in Pekanbaru is not yet optimal, many factors cause low long bean production. One of them is the Red and Yellow Podzolic land which is majority owned by Pekanbaru. PMK soil is a type of soil that has poor physical, chemical and biological properties, so it requires the addition of ameliorant substances such as manure. The aim of this research was to determine the effectiveness and obtain the best dose of the interaction of liquid organic fertilizer from snakehead fish waste and ghost growth regulator (ZPT) on the growth and production of long bean plants.The research was carried out on land at the Faculty of Agriculture, Riau University, 16 meters above sea level, with flat tropography with Red and Yellow Podzolic soil (PMK). This research was conducted for 2 months, starting from January to February 2023. This research was carried out experimentally using a factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD), which consists of two factors, namely P (Liquid Organic Fertilizer), consisting of 3 levels, and the factor Z (Ghost ZPT) 3 replications, the number of experimental units was 27 plots, each plot consisted of 4 plants and 2 plants as samples, so that the total plants were 27 x 4 = 108 plants.Based on the results of research that has been carried out on the interaction of giving Snakehead Fish Waste Liquid Organic Fertilizer and Ghost Growth Regulator (ZPT) on the growth and production of long bean plants, it can be concluded that the interaction of giving Cow Manure and Hantu ZPT has a significant effect on the parameters of flowering age, stem diameter, number of fruits, and fruit length. Meanwhile, the fruit weight parameter had no significant effect. The best treatment interaction is P2Z2 with a dose of Liquid Organic Fertilizer of 10 ml/plot and giving Ghost ZPT 4 ml/l.

Validating Indigenous Farmers' Practice in the Management of the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) in Maize Cropping Systems in Africa.

Before the invasion of the fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda into Africa, smallholder farmers had been using indigenous practices such as applying fish soup to plants to manage stemborer pests. Although farmers have since begun adapting this practice against FAW, no attempt has been made to scientifically evaluate this practice. Therefore, we assessed the efficacy of applying fish soup to maize plants that were artificially infested with FAW under semi-field conditions. Our results showed that foliar damage is inversely correlated with the concentration of a fish soup and sugar solution, with the highest (100%) concentration resulting in the lowest foliar damage and the highest plant recovery. The FAW foliar damage results for maize plants treated with 100%, 50%, 10% fish soup and sugar, and distilled water were 46.3 ± 5.6, 51.1 ± 5.0, 71.6 ± 5.2, and 99.4 ± 0.4%, respectively, whereas plant recovery results from the same treatments were 35.2 ± 3.7, 31.1 ± 5.4, 20.0 ± 4.6, and 0.0 ± 0.0%, respectively. A concentration of fish soup and sugar solution of at least 25.9% was required to achieve the lowest foliar damage of 17.8% and peak plant recovery of 73.6%. Fish soup and sugar solutions attracted a wide range of insects, including potential natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) of FAW, in a dose-dependent manner. Maize plants treated with fish soup and sugar showed higher chlorophyll content and better growth than the control did. Proximate and chemical analysis showed that fish soup contains essential plant growth nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium). Through GC-MS analyses, we identified 76 volatile organic compounds in fish soup, of which 16 have been reported as insect attractants, highlighting their potential ecological significance. Therefore, the indigenous pest management practices for FAW, such as the use of fish soup, deserve particular attention. These practices could contribute to food security and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities. Further field validation studies, economic analyses, product development, and optimisation are therefore required to optimise the use of fish soup based on fish waste.

Production of ethylic biodiesel from Tilápia visceral oil

The use of biodiesel from Tilapia visceral oil will allow the development of economy where a fishery is developed. The fishing industry has resulted in the production of large quantities of fish waste, especially fish viscera which are discarded into the environment. The aim of this work is to show the process of Tilapia visceral oil extraction, characterization and obtainment of biodiesel by ethylic route. For the feasibility of transesterification is necessary that the oil has low moisture content and free fatty acids (FFA) below 5%, since the high value of these two parameters can preclude transesterification by forming high quantities of soap. The results of this study show that the Tilapia visceral oil has low moisture (0,12%) and only 3.11% of FFA. For the experiment it was used 1.8% of catalyst KOH, obtaining a high yield of biodiesel as shown by nuclear proton 1H NMR analysis. The results are very promising and show that it’s possible to convert a fish waste in biodiesel.

Correction to: Biodiesel from fish waste oil: synthesis via supercritical methanol and thermodynamic optimization

Correction to: Biodiesel from fish waste oil: synthesis via supercritical methanol and thermodynamic optimization

Insect-based fish feed in decoupled aquaponic systems: Effect on lettuce production and resource use.

The utilisation of insect meal-based fish feed as a substitute for conventional fish meal-based fish feed is considered as a promising innovative alternative to boost circularity in aquaculture and aquaponics. Basic research on its use in aquaponics is limited. So far, no reports on the effects of fish waste water, derived from a recirculating aquaculture system using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) meal-based diets, were available on the growth performance of lettuce. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effect of reusing fish waste water from tilapia culture (as a base for the nutrient solution) fed with a fish meal-based diet (FM) and a BSF meal-based diet on resource use and lettuce growth in decoupled aquaponic systems. A conventional hydroponics nutrient solution (HP) served as control, and inorganic fertilisers were added to all nutrient solutions to reach comparable target concentrations. The experiment was conducted in a controlled climate chamber in nine separate hydroponics units, three per treatment. Lettuce fresh and dry weight, number of leaves, relative leaf chlorophyll concentration, water consumption, and the usage of inorganic fertilisers were measured. Micro- and macronutrients in the nutrient solutions were monitored in time series. Similar lettuce yield was seen in all treatments, with no significant effects on fresh and dry weight, the number of leaves, and relative chlorophyll values. Water use per plant was also similar between treatments, while the amount of total inorganic fertiliser required was 32% lower in FM and BSF compared to HP. Higher sodium concentrations were found in the FM nutrient solutions compared to BSF and HP. The results confirm that BSF-based diet is a promising alternative to FM-based diet in aquaponics with no negative effects on lettuce growth. Additionally, BSF-based diet might be beneficial in intensive, professional aquaponics applications due to the lower sodium concentration in the nutrient solution.

Optimizing The Growth of Palm Palm Seedlings by Providing Several Types of Market Waste Fertilizer and Planting Media

Oil palm is a plant that holds a significant position in the agricultural and horticultural industries. The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between the composition of the planting medium and the utilization of commercial fertilizer waste on the growth of oil palm in nurseries. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the impact of different waste fertilizers on the market and the composition of the growing media for oil palm trees in the nursery. The research was conducted at the Education and Research Garden (KP2) in Wedomartani Village, Depok District, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The research site is at an altitude of 118 meters above sea level, and the study was conducted from March to June 2023. A factorial randomized design (CRD), consisting of two factors, was employed for this study. The first factor involved market waste, which was categorized into three levels: fish waste (70g), vegetable waste (70g), and fruit fertilizer (70g). The second factor focused on the composition of the planting media, which also had three levels: latosol 100g: beach sand 1900g, latosol 150g: beach sand 1850g, and latosol 200g: beach sand 1800g. The study included five repetitions, resulting in a total of 45 plants. The research data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of 5%. The study's results revealed an interaction between the combination of market waste fertilizer and the composition of the oil palm planting media in the pre-nursery stage. Significant interactions and effects were observed between the combinations of fertilizer market waste and the composition of the growing media on leaf area and soil pH. Furthermore, the market waste fertilizer significantly impacted the number of leaves, stem diameter, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, plant fresh weight, and plant dry weight. Additionally, the composition of the media had a significant influence on stem diameter and soil pH.

Aquaponics as a climate‐smart technology for sustainable food production: A comparison with conventional production system in United Arab Emirates

AbstractThis research aimed to standardize the growth of two commonly cultivated herbs in the United Arab Emirates, basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), within an aquaponic system. The study compared a recirculatory aquaponic system (RAS) with static aquaculture systems (for fish performance) and irrigated greenhouse cultivation systems (for herb performance). The project assessed growth, element composition, and aquaponic efficacy to determine the viability of aquaponics for these herbs. In the soilless (aquaponic) system, both herbs exhibited significantly enhanced growth parameters, including plant height, root length, leaf count, and fresh and dry weights, compared to conventional soil‐based cultivation. This growth enhancement was attributed to the additional nutrients derived from fish waste in the aquaponic system. Furthermore, plants displayed significantly higher element levels, highlighting the effectiveness of aquaponics in nutrient delivery. Notably, the aquaponic system demonstrated superior antioxidant activity in both herbs. The study also revealed remarkable water use efficiency in the aquaponic system, with water savings exceeding 90% compared to conventional methods. These findings establish the efficiency and sustainability of aquaponic systems over traditional food production approaches, particularly in arid regions such as the United Arab Emirates. Utilizing an aquaponic system for these commonly cultivated herbs resulted in improved growth and resource efficiency, affirming its viability as an environmentally sustainable and efficient method of food production in desert climates.