The aquaponic system includes combined production of fish and plants in which the wastes and metabolites produced by farmed fish are removed from the environment through nitration and absorbed by plants. The plants and fish produced in this system are healthy due to the absence of fertilizers and pesticides. In the present study, the quality of tilapia and plant products produced in the aquaponic system have been investigated. Also, sensory evaluation of the cooked tilapia fillet was surveyed
The aquaponic system involves the integration of the hydroponic system with recycling aquaculture in which the wastes and metabolites obtained from farmed fish are removed from the environment through nitration and their uptake by plants. Plants improve water quality by removing compounds from fish waste, as a biological filter. Development of production in aquaponic system is mainly based on water conservation and productivity, independence from agricultural soil, reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
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. sensory evaluation of the cooked tilapia 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.