Evaluation of Biomass Yield and Water Treatment in Two Aquaponic Systems Using the Dynamic Root Floating Technique (DRF)

Sustainability

Laura Silva²  Eucario Gasca-Leyva²  Edgardo Escalante³  Kevin M. Fitzsimmons¹  David Valdés Lozano² 

[1] Department of Soil Water and Environmental Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210038, Tucson, AZ 85721-0038, USA; E-Mail:;Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN-CINVESTAV, Km 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, C.P. 97310 Mérida, Mexico; E-Mails:;Centro Regional Universitario de la Península de Yucatán, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo. Ex Hacienda Temozón Norte, C.P. 97310 Mérida, Mexico; E-Mail:

关键词: aquaponics;    sustainable aquaculture;    wastewater treatment;    integrated systems;    Nile tilapia;    pak choy;    coriander;   

DOI  :  10.3390/su71115384

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

The experiment evaluates the food production and water treatment of TAN, NO₂⁻–N, NO₃⁻–N, and PO₄³⁻ in two aquaponics systems using the dynamic root floating technique (DRF). A separate recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) was used as a control. The fish cultured was Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The hydroponic culture in one treatment (PAK) was pak choy (Brassica chinensis,) and in the other (COR) coriander (Coriandrum sativum). Initial and final weights were determined for the fish culture. Final edible fresh weight was determined for the hydroponic plant culture. TAN, NO₂⁻–N, NO₃⁻–N, and PO₄³⁻ were measured in fish culture and hydroponic culture once a week at two times, morning (9:00 a.m.) and afternoon (3:00 p.m.). The fish biomass production was not different in any treatment (p > 0.05) and the total plant yield was greater (p < 0.05) in PAK than in COR. For the hydroponic culture in the a.m., the PO₄³⁻ was lower (p < 0.05) in the PAK treatment than in COR, and in the p.m. NO₃⁻–N and PO₄³⁻ were lower (p < 0.05) in PAK than in COR. The PAK treatment demonstrated higher food production and water treatment efficiency than the other two treatments.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.