Aquaponic production combines intensive production with waste
recycling and water conservation. Aquaponic join recirculating aquaculture
with hydroponics to use nutrient waste from aquaculture as an input to
plant growth. Traditional aquaculture systems treat or dispose nutrient-rich
wastewater. In aquaponics, the waste products from the fi sh are converted
by a bio-fi lter into soluble nutrients which are absorbed by the plants, and
allow “clean” water to be returned back to the fi sh. Th us, it produces valuable
fi sh protein with a minimal pollution of fresh water resources, while at
the same time producing horticultural crops. Fish in aquaponic production
systems can be raised in ponds, tanks, or other containers. Plants are grown
separately in hydroponic tanks, submerged in water but suspended in gravel,
sand, perlite, or porous plastic films, as well as on floating raft s. Systems
vary greatly in design and construction, but most perform the following
key functions: finfish and plant production, removal of suspended solids,
and bacterial nitrification. Th is review discusses applications, eff ects and
perspective of aquaponics.