to provide nitrification in recirculating systems
for fish production. This combination of fish
and plant production in an integrated recirculating
system is called aquaponics [7]. Many different
system concepts are feasible, depending on
the target crops or resources available [8]. Our
research focused on the selection of crop plants
characterized by high productivity and thus
nutrient recycling capacity. To test the suitability
of the new combined production system for
vegetable producers, we compared plant productivity
in aquaponic and in conventional hydroponic
systems.
Microbiological contamination of the target
plants is not a problem discussed in aquaponic
literature, as the harvested crops have only contact
with the fish water by their root system.
Nevertheless this topic should be addressed, as