Challenges of Sustainable and Commercial Aquaponics

Abstract

Abstract:The world is facing a number of serious problems of which population rise, climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity and food security are among the most important. Aquaponics, as a closed loop system consisting of hydroponics and aquaculture elements, could contribute to addressing these problems. However, there is a lack of quantitative research to support the development of economically feasible aquaponics systems. Although many studies have addressed some scientific aspects, there has been limited focus on commercial implementation. In this review paper, opportunities that have the potential to fill the gap between research and implementation of commercial aquaponic systems have been identified. The analysis shows that aquaponics is capable of being an important driver for the development of integrated food production systems. Arid regions suffering from water stress will particularly benefit from this technology being operated in a commercial environment. OPEN ACCESSSustainability 2015, 7 4200

Role of stocking density of tilapia (Oreochromis aureus) on fish growth, water quality and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plant biomass in the aquaponic system

“…Although the pH values were below the optimal value for the fish in this experiment tilapia tolerated the pH changes. On the other hand, pH values were suitable for the plant in the present study hence, most plants need a pH value between 6 and 6.5 in order to enhance the uptake of nutrients [12]. It is known that pH<6.5 disrupts the nitrification process with eventual risk of ammonia and nitrite toxicity.…”

“…pH values fluctuated in all groups during the present study. pH is one of the crucial factors in aquaponics and should be kept around 7 for the success in nitrification; converting ammonia and providing nitrate for the plants ( [12,15,18]. Although the pH values were below the optimal value for the fish in this experiment tilapia tolerated the pH changes.…”

“…Thus, Bloom et al [23] reported that when exposed to low light, plants usually respond by increasing allocation of biomass to leaves, by actively creating a dynamic balance where all resources should be equally limiting to growth. Goddek et al [12] reported that every plant and fish species have different nutritional needs that are also dependent on the growth stage/life-cycle and external factors (including system design). Hence, the optimization of whole aquaponics system to dual production is highly complicated.…”

“…Palm et al [11] highlighted that economic sustainability of aquaponics depends on a variety of factors including system and feed design, animal welfare and pathogen control. There is a need to establish the macro-and micronutrient proportion that fish can release in the water for a given feed in a given system; this depends on fish species, fish density, temperature, and type of plants [12]. It is clear that feed and stocking rate of fish are directly related and to maintain the balance between metabolic products the stocking rate is critical in the aquaponics as a reflection of feed.…”

Hydroponic systems and water management in aquaponics: a review

“…As reviewed in Goddek et al (2015), AP can be considered a sustainable agricultural production system and, in this respect, Lehman et al (1993) define sustainable agriculture as agricultural practices which do not undermine our future capacity to engage in agriculture. Furthermore, Francis et al (2003) report that production process inefficiencies can be reduced designing systems that close nutrient cycles, which is one of the main aspects of aquaponics (Goddek et , 2015).…”