Aquaponic systems: biological and technological parameters

AbstractAquaponics is a specific ecosystem that combines aquaculture, hydroponics and beneficial bacteria in a symbiotic relationship. This integrated approach is emerging as a sustainable method of organic food production. This review analyzes the biological and technological parameters of aquaponic systems based on a survey of over 200 scientific papers from 1974 to 2021. The biological parameters include the characteristics of the species in the aquaponic system, their relationship with nutrition and environmental conditions, the content of nutrients and their impact on productivity. The technological parameters focus on the structural and functional components of the aquaponic system, environmental management techniques and economic feasibility. The advances in aquaponics technology contribute to more sustainable food systems. This calls for further research on the biological and technological characteristics of aquaponic systems, as well as on the environmental, operational and socio-economic aspects and their interrelationship, of interest to both researchers and stakeholders.