The synergistic effect of abiotic microbes in a standardized aquaponics system for the production of high-value fish and plant biomass

Aquaponics is an attempt to control water quality such that all living beings (fish, plants, and bacteria) can live. In this study, the tilapia fish, Oreochromis niloticus, and the plants, mustard (Brassica nigra) and millet (Pennisetum glaucum), were raised in a low-cost aquaponics system (Nutrient Film Technique or NFT). The study also examined the microbial load and various water quality parameters. According to the USEPA rules, the water quality attributes of NFT have to be stable. During different culture periods, the growth rate of fish in the NFT system was gradually increased significantly (p < 0.01). The ANOVA analysis revealed that the recorded biochemical-values of NFT-raised fishes were less significant (p < 0.04) (than control fishes). When compared to the NFT-grown mustard plant, the biochemical content of NFT-raised millet plant was significantly lower (p < 0.003). Currently, the phytochemical content has been found to be high in NFT grown plants. Chlorophyll 'a' level was high (8.17 mg) in NFT and low (2.34 mg) in controls. The maximum chlorophyll 'b' level in plants produced using NFT was 8.45 mg, whereas the lowest (0.84 mg) was recorded in control plants. Carotenoid concentration was high (707 mg) in plants cultivated using NFT, but low (239 mg) in control plants. Furthermore, when compared to the control (24 colonies), the NFT produced the greatest number of microbial colonies (57 colonies) at 10⁻⁴dilution. Thus the adoption of NFT techniques shows its usefulness in terms of reduced cost and water usage and the reduction in microbial load (when fish and plants are raised together). Therefore, this research-output supports the potential of NFT-technology as an integrated aquaculture approach for future.