In the present study, the quality of tilapia and plant products produced in the aquaponic system including mint, peppermint, pennyroyal, green basil, purple basil, fodder beet, Swiss chard, various cultivars of lettuce, watercress, celery, and tomato have been studied. General composition, fatty acid profile and sensory evaluation of tilapia fillet were investigated. In plant products, general composition, nitrite, nitrate, proline, chlorophyll and some minerals were measured. The results showed that the products of aquaponic system have good quality for consumption.
The aquaponic system includes hydroponic system and recycling aquaculture in which the wastes and metabolites produced by farmed fish are removed from the environment through nitration and absorbed by plants. In this system, water productivity without dependence on soil and agricultural lands happen simultaneously with healthy fish/plant products throughout the year in conditions in accordance with environmental considerations. In the present study, the quality of tilapia and plant products produced in the aquaponic system including mint, peppermint, pennyroyal, green basil, purple basil, fodder beet, Swiss chard, various cultivars of lettuce, watercress, celery, and tomato have been investigated. Results of sensory evaluation of the cooked fillet showed high score for sensory parameters. In all plant products, the amount of nitrite and nitrate were considerably lower than permissible limit of consumption. Peppermint, fodder beet, Swiss chard, watercress and celery had the lowest proline content, while peppermint, fodder beet, Swiss chard were also richer in chlorophyll. Higher levels of proline were obtained in lettuce and basil, indicating more severe environmental stress conditions for them. The amount of protein and iron in plant products were high, however calcium and potassium were a few lower than the desired amount.