Abstract: Aquaponic System
Problem Statement
Modern agriculture faces challenges such as limited arable land, high water consumption, and
reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Urban areas, in particular, struggle with food production due to
space constraints and resource scarcity. This project addresses the need for a sustainable, space-
ef cient food production method by developing an aquaponic system that integrates
hydroponics (soilless plant cultivation) with aquaculture ( sh farming).
Background Research
Traditional farming methods require extensive land and water resources, while hydroponics and
aquaculture each have limitations when used separately. However, aquaponics combines the
bene ts of both systems—using sh waste as natural fertilizer for plants while plants lter and
clean the water for sh. This closed-loop ecosystem reduces waste, optimizes nutrient cycling,
and conserves water. Our research focused on identifying the optimal sh feeding levels that
promote plant growth without degrading water quality.
Innovation & Creativity
This project is innovative because it optimizes sh feeding strategies to maintain nutrient
balance and water quality, ensuring ef cient plant growth with minimal resource waste.
Unlike traditional aquaponic models, our approach emphasizes data-driven feeding
adjustments to maximize yield while reducing environmental impact.
Engineering & Technical Design
The aquaponic system consists of:
• A sh tank that provides nutrients through sh waste.
• A grow bed with gravel as a plant support medium.
• A water pump that circulates water between the sh tank and plants.
• Bacteria that convert sh waste (ammonia) into plant-usable nutrients.
How It Works
1. Fish excrete waste into the water, producing ammonia.
2. Bacteria break down ammonia into nitrates.
3. Plants absorb the nitrates, ltering and purifying the water.
4. Clean water returns to the sh tank, continuing the cycle.
Construction
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• Materials Used: Plastic containers (for sh tank & grow bed), a small water pump,
silicon tubing, gravel, and basil plants.
• Reasons for Selection: Durable, cost-effective, and sustainable materials were chosen to
ensure long-term functionality while minimizing environmental impact.
• Construction Process: We built the system by assembling the tank, installing the pump,
and planting basil in the grow bed.
STEAM Integration
• Science: Nitri cation process (conversion of ammonia to nitrates).
• Technology: Water pump for automated circulation.
• Engineering: System design ensuring ef cient nutrient ow.
• Art: Visual layout of plants and structural design.
• Mathematics: Measurement of sh feeding levels, plant growth rates, and water quality
parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrate levels).
Testing & Optimization
Testing Methods
• Fish Feeding Levels Tested:
◦ 12g/day (high)
◦ 7g/day (moderate)
◦ 5g/day (low)
◦ 3g/day (minimal)
• Observations Included:
◦ Plant height growth per week.
◦ Water quality parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrate levels).
◦ Fish behavior and health.
Results & Re nements
• Moderate feeding (7g/day) produced optimal plant growth and stable water
conditions.
• Excess feeding (12g/day) led to water contamination and reduced ef ciency.
• Minimal feeding (3g/day) resulted in poor plant growth due to nutrient de ciency.
• We adjusted sh stocking density and feeding levels to re ne nutrient balance.
Impact & Real-World Application
• Who Bene ts?
◦ Schools can use aquaponics for hands-on science education.
◦ Urban communities can grow fresh food in limited spaces.
◦ Farmers can adopt aquaponics to reduce water and fertilizer usage.
• Why It Matters?
◦ Encourages sustainable agriculture by conserving water.
◦ Reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers, promoting eco-friendly farming.
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◦ Enhances food security in urban areas.
Future Improvements
• Testing different sh species and plant varieties.
• Automating nutrient monitoring with sensors.
• Expanding the system for commercial-scale production.
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