6533b823fe1ef96bd127ebc2
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Fish Welfare in Aquaponic Systems: Its Relation to Water Quality with an Emphasis on Feed and Faeces—A Review
David DomínguezGiuliana ParisiHijran Yavuzcan YildizJuhani PirhonenElena MenteLidia Robainasubject
lcsh:Hydraulic engineeringGeography Planning and DevelopmentBiosecurityBiomasskiintoaines010501 environmental sciencesAquatic ScienceBiology01 natural sciencesBiochemistrywater qualityCommercial fish feedNutrientlcsh:Water supply for domestic and industrial purposesAquaculturefish welfarelcsh:TC1-978Aquaponics0105 earth and related environmental sciencesWater Science and TechnologySuspended solidslcsh:TD201-500business.industryfood and beverages04 agricultural and veterinary sciencesvedenlaatusustainabilityBiotechnologyfish welfare; water quality; suspended solids; micronutrients; aquaponics; sustainabilitymicronutrients040102 fisheriesaquaponics0401 agriculture forestry and fisheriesWater qualitysuspended solidsbusinessdescription
Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture (fish) and hydroponic cultivation of plants. This review examines fish welfare in relation to rearing water quality, fish feed and fish waste and faeces to develop a sustainable aquaponic system where the co-cultured organisms, fish, bacteria in biofilters and plants, should be considered holistically in all aquaponics operations. Water quality parameters are the primary environmental consideration for optimizing aquaponic production and for directly impacting fish welfare/health issues and plant needs. In aquaponic systems, the uptake of nutrients should be maximised for the healthy production of the plant biomass but without neglecting the best welfare conditions for the fish in terms of water quality. Measures to reduce the risks of the introduction or spread of diseases or infection and to increase biosecurity in aquaponics are also important. In addition, the possible impacts of allelochemicals, i.e., chemicals released by the plants, should be taken into account. Moreover, the effect of diet digestibility, faeces particle size and settling ratio on water quality should be carefully considered. As available information is very limited, research should be undertaken to better elucidate the relationship between appropriate levels of minerals needed by plants, and fish metabolism, health and welfare. It remains to be investigated whether and to what extent the concentrations of suspended solids that can be found in aquaponic systems can compromise the health of fish. Water quality, which directly affects fish health and well-being, is the key factor to be considered in all aquaponic systems. peerReviewed
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-01-01 | Water |