Co-Cultivation of Microalgae in Aquaponics Systems

Abstract. Aquaponics systems were a sustainable model for the future farming. In aquaponics systems, the nutrient-rich wastewater generated by the fish provides nutrients needed for vegetable growth. In the present study, we examined the role of naturally occurring microalgae in selected aquaponics systems for ammonia control. The yields of algal biomass, vegetable, and fish, and removal of the key nutrients from the systems were monitored during the operation of the aquaponics systems. When the systems were in full operation, the algae production was estimated at about 5 g/m²·day which was considered low because the growth conditions were primarily tailored to fish and vegetable production. However, it was found algae did help balance the pH drop caused by nitrification bacteria, and the ammonia level was well controlled with algae.