An innovative suction filter device reduces nitrogen loss in double recirculating aquaponic systems

Abstract The increase of global population causes rising food demand and concomittantly scarcity of resources. These facts including global warming need the further development of resource-efficient food production systems such as double recirculating aquaponic systems (DRAPS). This recent technology is suitable for intensive food production with minimal resource input and maximal reduction of emissions. In DRAPS fish water can be adjusted for plant growth (pH, nutrients) and both species are produced separately under optimum conditions. Primarily, the present study was conducted to investigate the improvement of DRAPS by implementation of an innovative suction filter device and, in addition, it is the first empiric investigation of combined African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Pureza) production in DRAPS. Due to an immense loss of nitrogen caused by the primary sedimentation unit as connection between the fish and plant parts, the original DRAPS was modified by a new developed suction filter device to remove solid particles at minimal nitrogen loss. The nitrogen loss was significantly reduced by that system modification (≈43%) and thus resulted in a quite large reduction of greenhouse gas emissions due to the reduced need for manufacturing of nitrogen fertiliser. The combined production of African catfish and tomatoes in aquaponics revealed similar fruit yields of tomatoes as for the control using artificial fertiliser, while the overall fertiliser use in aquaponics was about 13.2–77.7% lower. However, fertiliser saving was highest after modification and replacement of the sedimentation unit by the new suction device. In addition, in comparison to already existing aquaponic systems, the total biomass output was significantly increased. The results were evaluated under consideration of intensive crop production in hydroponics.

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