Development methods in aquaponics systems using biofloc to improve water quality (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) and growth of tilapia and samhong mustard

• Published in: International journal of environmental analytical chemistry Vol. 102; no. 19; pp. 7824 - 7834
• Main Authors: Deswati, Deswati, Yani, Elsa, Safni, Safni, Norita Tetra, Olly, Pardi, Hilfi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 30-12-2022; Taylor & Francis LLC
• Subjects: Aeration; Ammonia; Aquaponics; Bacteria; Biofilters; Biofloc Technology; Brassica; Brassica juncea; Fish; Growth rate; hydroponic subsystem; Hydroponics; Marine fishes; Methods; Mustard; Nitrates; Nitrification; Nitrifying bacteria; Nitrites; Nutrient cycles; Nutrients; Oreochromis niloticus; Subsystems; Survival; Technology; Tilapia; Water analysis; Water quality; water recirculation; Water sampling; Whitefish; Yellowing
• ISSN: 0306-7319; 1029-0397
• DOI: 10.1080/03067319.2020.1839437

Development methods of the Flood & Drain (F&D) Aquaponics Systems, an integration of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and Samhong Mustard (Brassica juncea L) using Biofloc Technology (BFT) have been carried out. The objective of this study is to develop an aquaponic method by applying biofloc technology to obtain optimum water quality (ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate). This system consists of Fish Tank (FT), Mechanical Filter Tank (MFT), Biofilter Tank (BT), and Hydroponic Subsystem (HS), also supported by water recirculation and aeration. Water sampling is carried out in FT, BT, and HS. Based on research conducted, ammonia (0.3013-5.9625)mg/L, nitrite (0.1438-0.3774)mg/L, and nitrate (1.0764-9.33923)mg/L. Even though there are parameters (ammonia and nitrite) that have exceeded the threshold, but nitrifying bacteria can grow well, as well as Biolacto sp. is able to increase high fish survival (95%), and accelerate rapid fish growth (length growth rate was 2.9254%, and weight growth rate was 5.1426%) and Samhong Mustard growth (plant height and the number of leaves). In plants, no yellowing plants are found because of an adequate supply of nutrients. Therefore, the application of BFT in aquaponics is feasible for improving water quality, and further research is needed to improve this technology.