The experiment evaluates the food production and water treatment of TAN, NO
2−–N, NO
3−–N, and PO
43− in two aquaponics systems using the dynamic root floating technique (DRF). A separate recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) was used as
[...] Read more.
The experiment evaluates the food production and water treatment of TAN, NO
2−–N, NO
3−–N, and PO
43− 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
43− 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
43− was lower (
p < 0.05) in the PAK treatment than in COR, and in the p.m. NO
3−–N and PO
43− 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.
Full article