AQUAPONICS SYSTEM FOR TREAT A CATFISH WASTEWATER

Thesis Overview

<p> 1<b>.1 BACKGROUND OF PROPOSED STUDY&nbsp;</b></p><p>The combined culture of fish and plants in re-circulating systems is called aquaponics (Graber &amp; Junge, 2009, p.148). Nutrients flow from wastewater generated by the fish, either by direct excretion or the microbial breakdown of organic wastes are absorbed by plants cultured hydroponically. Aquaponics also known as the integration of hydroponics with aquaculture is gaining increased attention as bio- integrated food production. Nutrient-rich effluent from fish tanks in aquaponics is used to fertigate hydroponic production beds. This is good for the fish because plant roots and rhizobacteria remove nutrients from the water. Fish mature, algae and decomposing fish feed are generated the nutrients. These nutrients are contaminants that would otherwise build up to toxic level in the fish tank, but instead serve as liquid fertilizer to hydroponically grown plants. The hydroponic beds function as a biofilter where ammonia, nitrates, nitrites and phosphorus are stripping off. So, the freshly cleansed water can then be re-circulated back into the fish tank. The plant roots in association with the nitrifying bacteria living in the gravel play a critical role in nutrient cycling without these microorganisms the whole system would stop functioning. Thus, aquaponics sytem can enable the production of fresh vegetables and fish protein since it is water re-uses system. Nutrient removal is essential for aquaculture wastewater treatment to protect receiving water from eutrophication and for potential reuse of the treated water. The integration of aquaculture with agriculture appears to be an excellent way of saving water, disposing aquaculture wastewater and providing fertilizer to the agriculture crop. <br></p><p> <b>1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM&nbsp;</b></p><p>The intensive development of the aquaculture industry has been accompanied by an increase in environmental impact. Discharges from aquaculture into the aquatic environment generate substantial amounts of polluted effluent, containing uneaten feed and feces. Wastewater from aquaculture contains nutrients, various organic and inorganic compounds such as ammonium, phosphorus, dissolved organic carbon and organic matter. The high levels of nutrients cause environmental deterioration of the receiving water sources. Wastewater treatment of aquaculture is important because in many areas, water is a limited resource and depending on the receiving water source. The total nutrients form effluents can contribute to significant environmental degradation. The concept of aquaponics involves integrating aquaculture and hydroponics is gaining increased attention as a bio- integrated food production systems (Fox, Howerton &amp; Tamatu, 2010). Reuse the nutrient released by fish to grow crop plants is the primary goal of aquaponics. Aquaponics systems are more environmentally sustainable than most traditional farming practices, which have resulted in widespread soil erosion, desertification and pollution in Asia (A. Endut, A. Jusoh, N. Ali, &amp; W.B. Wan Nik, 2011). Thus, aquaponics system efficient use of resources, reduction in risk of total crop failure, additional sources of food, extra income and reduction of operation costs for farmers than fish culture alone.</p><p> <b>1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES&nbsp;</b></p><p>The objectives of this research are: L To determine the characteristics of water quality from the cultured fish tank. ii. To determine effect of vegetable distribution on the wastewater quality iii. Effect of the vegetable growth 1.4 SCOPE OF PROPOSED STUDY In the proposed study, an aquaponics system is my conducted research. I will determine the water quality characteristics from culture fish tank. Besides, I will determine effect of vegetable distribution on the wastewater quality and effect of the vegetable growth. Fish species is an important material in my research besides vegetables. I used catfish (Siluriformes) as fish species and water spinach (Ipomoea aquatic) as vegetable to run my experiment. The catfish I get from Agro Bazaar, Sungai Pekan and brought back to my lab in University Malaysia Pahang (lIMP). In my experimental design, I will build a mini aquaponics system. The waste discharge from catfish will treat by Ipomoea aquatic roots and bacteria's and return to fish tank as a clean water. The parameters that will be observed are Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Ammonia Nitrogen (NH) and pH. During the experiment, the heights of plant were observed and record every day. &nbsp; <br></p>