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Herbaceous plants as part of biological filter for aquaponics system
Author(s) -
Espinosa Moya Elvia A,
Angel Sahagún César A,
Mendoza Carrillo J Mario,
Albertos Alpuche Pedro J,
ÁlvarezGonzález C Alfonso,
MartínezYáñez Rosario
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
aquaculture research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.646
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-2109
pISSN - 1355-557X
DOI - 10.1111/are.12626
Subject(s) - aquaponics , tilapia , herbaceous plant , biology , aquaculture , water quality , photobioreactor , botany , fish <actinopterygii> , agronomy , ecology , fishery , biomass (ecology)
Aquaponics is a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), where plants and aquatic animals are grown using the same water. In these systems, plants act as part of biological filters. The cultivation of O. basilicum, Menta x piperita and M. spicata is commonly integrated to the production of O. niloticus in aquaponics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of these herbs as part of biological filters for tilapia intensive production in aquaponics. Various physicochemical parameters were evaluated as water quality indicators. N and P content in the different elements of the system were also measured. Results showed that for tilapia growing the three herbaceous evaluated could be used as part of the biological filters in aquaponics, because they remove significant concentration in nitrogen compounds and phosphates; however, there were no differences among species. There was a positive relationship between the time and the levels of NH 4 and therefore NO 3 − in the water. The pH , temperature and dissolved oxygen were kept at appropriate ranges for tilapia. The electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids were in suitable levels for growing herbaceous, which adapted to flooded substrates, with water constantly moving and high concentration of dissolved oxygen. A key parameter to consider is the oxygen concentration in water when herbaceous is used in aquaponics, due to the high input of this element for these species need, especially basil. Tilapia largely incorporated N and P entering the system.