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

Laura Silva, Eucario Gasca-Leyva, Edgardo Escalante, Kevin M. Fitzsimmons and David Valdés Lozano
Additional contact information
Laura Silva: Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN-CINVESTAV, Km 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, C.P. 97310 Mérida, Mexico
Eucario Gasca-Leyva: Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN-CINVESTAV, Km 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, C.P. 97310 Mérida, Mexico
Edgardo Escalante: Centro Regional Universitario de la Península de Yucatán, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo. Ex Hacienda Temozón Norte, C.P. 97310 Mérida, Mexico
Kevin M. Fitzsimmons: 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
David Valdés Lozano: Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN-CINVESTAV, Km 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, C.P. 97310 Mérida, Mexico

Sustainability, 2015, vol. 7, issue 11, 1-16

Abstract: The experiment evaluates the food production and water treatment of TAN, NO 2 − –N, NO 3 − –N, and PO 4 3− 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, NO 2 − –N, NO 3 − –N, and PO 4 3− 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 PO 4 3− was lower ( p < 0.05) in the PAK treatment than in COR, and in the p.m. NO 3 − –N and PO 4 3− 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.

Keywords: aquaponics; sustainable aquaculture; wastewater treatment; integrated systems; Nile tilapia; pak choy; coriander (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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