4. Topics for undergraduate research projects
The inter-disciplinary nature of the aquaponics components and the need to quantify the relationship between inputs-outputs presents opportunities for research projects for undergraduate engineering students in Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil and Environmental Engineering Departments. The following are examples:
Sensors: What types of sensors are ideal for measuring air and water temperature, water pH, dissolved O2, and nitrogen species?
Thermodynamics: What type of water heating system is most efficient to maintain a desirable water and air temperature? Can the operational measurements (required electricity and heat) from one setting be extrapolated to estimate the operational costs in other climates?
Water Quality: What are the optimal methods to filter out the solid fish waste (feces) and introduce necessary bacteria into the system?