Scribd
Upload
24 views

Aquaponic System Researcs

a research system

Uploaded by

rubinhoneyrose957
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
24 views

Aquaponic System Researcs

a research system

Uploaded by

rubinhoneyrose957
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

OPTIMIZING NUTRIENTS CYCLING AND PLANTS GROWTH IN AQUAPONIC

SYSTEM

Introduction

Background of the Study

Aquaponics is a relatively new technique for food production that combines recirculating aquaculture
and hydroponic technologies in a symbiotic relationship (Bernstein, 2011). Aquaculture is the farming of
aquatic plants and animals (Nash, 2011) and in recirculating aquaculture water is cleaned and recycled in
a closed-loop system (Timmons & Ebeling. 2007). Hydroponics is a method of growing plants, especially
herbaceous leafy greens, without soil (Smith, 2000). Instead, plants are grown in a water and chemical
solution from which they absorb nutrients through their roots (Smith, 2000). Combining hydroponics
and aquaculture allows the chemical nutrients needed for hydroponic plant growth to be replaced with
fish wastes that would otherwise be discharged and cause potential environmental degradation
(Bernstein, 2011)In recirculating aquaculture systems, naturally existing nitrogenous bacteria are the
initialconsumers of fish-produced ammonia, and they produce nitrate as a byproduct of nitrification.

Without the addition of plants, built-up nitrate is diluted by the addition of more water or by a
denitrification process (van Rijn, 2007). In an aquaponics system, the plants become part of the filtration
equation by absorbing the nitrate byproduct, which is their preferred form of nitrogen (Bernstein, 2011).
In this way, it is possible to raise both fish and plants in a balanced system that closes the aquaculture
waste stream and adds a second source of income from plant harvests.

As a food production technology, aquaponics can play a role in increasing the availability of nu
fttritious food in present and future food systems. Small to medium-scale aquaponics systems require
very little space and can be used in homes, backyards, basements, balconies and rooftops to increase
personal and community food security (Bernstein, 2011). These small systems can be constructed from
recycled materials and within the constraints of a limited budget (Bernstein. 2011). Aquaponics
technology can also be used in a variety of climates. In cold climates, an aquaponics system can be
located inside, or in a greenhouse, while it easily exists outside in tropical areas.

Consumers are becoming more aware of the impact of their food choices on both their own health
and the environment and aquaponics systems may be able to meet the needs of this growing market
(Graham, 2003). Increasing consumer awareness of food choices,combined with the flexibility of
aquaponics technology, places the aquaponics industry in an advantageous position for future growth.

OPTIMIZING NUCYCLING AND PLANT GROWTH IN AQUAPONIC


SYSTEM
Statement of the problem

The study was conducted to answer the following questions:

1. How efficient aquaponics system as an alternative source of food in terms of


the following:

1.1 Amount of water

a.

b.

c.

1.2 Amount of soil

1.3 Materials use

Hypothesis

If water can be pumped through an aquaponic system by use of a pedal powered water pump,
then both fish and plants can be grown aquaponically without the use of electricity and much
soil.

I will be creating a bike powered water pump to grow Lettuce. I planted both seedlings and
transplants into my system.

In this experiment its possible to grow vegetables aquaponically without the use of electricity
and much soil, thus my hypothesis was supported. I hope to extend my research by continuing
to monitor the growth of my plants.

Significance of the Study


The result of the study will be a great benefit of the following:

Environmental sustainability. Aquaponics offers a sustainable method of growing plants and


fish together, using less water and space than traditional farming. Delving into its benefits helps
us understand how we can enhance food security and environmental sustainability.

Economic Opportunities. Coconut meat residue and scratch paper charcoal could create
incomegenerating activities, especially for communities with access to coconut resources.

People and the community. They can save some money and can create aquaponics system in
there home in a small space. And instead of purchasing chemical fertilizer, use fish like tilapia
because it is the most commonly grown fish because it is hardy, tasty, and quick growing,
pangasius can grow even faster and survive more extreme conditions than tilapia and also
Blueegill,koi,goldfish and catfish can also be used to produce waste which is converted by
beneficial bacteria into nutrients that plants can absorb.

Economic Opportunities. Aquaponic system could create income generating activities,


especially for communities that the source of income is farming.

Business Industry. Aquaponics system is an alternative and sustainable solution for businesses
in the community. Because Aquaponics is also less labor intensive than conventional farming
and is ideal for drought-prone and water-scarce regions because it recirculates water.
Aquaponics can be set up vertically or in compact spaces, making it suitable for urban
environments where space is limited.

You might also like