QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE KEY FACTORS OF NUTRIENT FLUXES IN THREE TECHNIQUES OF AQUAPONIC SYSTEMS

Abstract

Aquaponics, as a single ecosystem, requires optimal conditions for the life cycle of fish, beneficial bacteria, and plants that coexist in symbiosis. For effective interdependence, aquaponic systems need regular monitoring, effective control, and rapid correction of deviations in the environmental factors and hydrochemical indicators. The aim of this study was to quantitatively analyze the nutrient fluxes and the factors (air and water temperature, pH and DO level) on which they depend in three techniques aquaponic systems for tilapia and lettuce placed under identical conditions. The results showed that the quality of the air and water was within the optimal range, which ensured the steady state of the systems, symbiosis between the species in good conditions and, consequently. Our results suggest that combined diagnostics is a reliable method for optimizing symbiosis in aquaponics.