Aquaponics is an environmentally friendly method of food production benefiting from the integrated cycle of aquaculture and hydroponics. It uses a closed-loop water cycle with little run-off to the environment and minimum requirement for plant fertilizer. Considering the integrated nature of aquaponics and its semi-sustainable cycle, the question to answer is: can aquaponics be a solution to the problems aquaculture industry is facing? Fresh water is scarce around the globe and water pollution is an ever-increasing concern for aquaculture industry.
This research on the water efficiency of an outdoor semi-commercial aquaponics system growing lettuce and tilapia located in California State Polytechnic University at Pomona shows the annual water consumption of a raft bed system. The results can be compared to the average water discharge of a RAS system in southern California and the world. The findings can be used to analyze and evaluate whether converting RAS to aquaponics either partially or fully will be a feasible solution for a less polluting food production system.