EFFICIENCY OF THE AQUAPONICS - MICROALGAE CIRCULAR SYSTEM: ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY AND BIOMASS GROWTH

Abstract

The aquaponic system combined with microalgae farming a high-tech agricultural approach that utilizes algae to enhance water quality and improve productivity in both aquaculture and crop cultivation. This study aimed to assess the biomass growth of fish and vegetables as well as monitor key water quality parameters. Three experimental treatments were established: (1) A conventional aquaponics system, (2) An aquaponics system integrated with Chlorella vulgaris, (3) An intensive red tilapia monoculture system. After 63 days, red tilapia cultured in the microalgae-integrated aquaponics system showed significantly higher growth rates and fresh biomass than those figures of the other treatments. Likewise, the fresh biomass of harvested mustard greens in the microalgae-integrated aquaponics system was greater than that in the conventional aquaponics setup. Water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, DO, TAN, NO₂^-, NO₃^-, PO₄^3- in the fish tanks of the microalgae-integrated aquaponics system were maintained within optimal ranges, creating favorable conditions for the growth of both fish and vegetables.