Challenges of Sustainable and Commercial Aquaponics

Simon Goddek, Boris Delaide, Utra Mankasingh, Kristin Vala Ragnarsdottir, Haissam Jijakli and Ragnheidur Thorarinsdottir
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Simon Goddek: Aquaponik Manufaktur GmbH, Gelderner Str. 139, 47661 Issum, Germany
Boris Delaide: Integrated and Urban Plant Pathology Laboratory, Université de Liège, Avenue Maréchal Juin 13, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
Utra Mankasingh: Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 6, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
Kristin Vala Ragnarsdottir: Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 6, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
Haissam Jijakli: Integrated and Urban Plant Pathology Laboratory, Université de Liège, Avenue Maréchal Juin 13, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
Ragnheidur Thorarinsdottir: Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Iceland, Taeknigardur, Dunhagi 5, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland

Sustainability, 2015, vol. 7, issue 4, 1-26

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.

Keywords: aquaponics; hydroponics; recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS); phosphorus; nutrient solubilization; pH stabilization; nutrient cycling; pest management; urban farming; water scarcity (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 (26)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:7:y:2015:i:4:p:4199-4224:d:48007

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