Nitrogen Utilization in Decoupled Aquaponic Systems: Exploring the Nitrification Process and Considerations for Effective Implementation
Abdel Razzaq Al Tawaha1*, Puteri Edaroyati Megat Wahab1, Hawa binti Jaafar1, Ali Tan Kee Zuan2, Mohd Zafri Hassan3, Abdel Rahman M. Al-Tawaha4, Zulkifli Maulana5,Lellah Rahim6

1Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

2Department of Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
3Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
4Department of Biological Sciences, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Maan, Jordan
5 Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Bosowa University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia
6Departmen of livestock production ,Faculty of Animal Science,Hasanuddin University

Abstract

The nitrification process is a crucial step in decoupled aquaponic systems as it converts toxic ammonia, produced from fish waste, into nitrate, a form of nitrogen readily available for plant uptake. This paper investigates the advantages of utilizing a decoupled aquaponic system, focusing on efficiently using nitrogen derived from the waste generated in the fish tank for plant uptake. The nitrification process involved in this system is described in detail, emphasizing the role of nitrifying bacteria. This approach^s potential risks, drawbacks, and disadvantages are discussed to provide a comprehensive understanding of its implementation.

Keywords: Specific surface area, Nitrobacter, Nitrosomonas, biofilter tank, aquaponics

Topic: Grassland Science