Standardization of the novel aquaponic system for the production of Tilapia fish Oreochromis niloticus integrated with Millet (Brassica nigra) and Mustard (Pennisetum glaucum) plant: A sustainable approach to reduce the water scarcity through recirculating aquaculture system

Abstract The present study has shown that the aquaponics system provides certain environmental benefits when compared to the traditional agriculture systems. Presently, the low-cost small scale aquaponics system was standardised by Nutrient Film Technique. The water quality characteristics of Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) were stable as per the USEPA regulations. The values of the growth and weight gain features of millet and mustard plants at different days were significantly different (p<0.05). Growth rate was gradually increased significantly (p<0.01) during different culture periods. The ANOVA results revealed the recorded biochemical-values of NFT -raised organisms exhibited a less significance (p<0.04). The biochemical contents of millet plant showed significantly decreased values (p<0.03). The mean±SD values represents the NFT system plant growth exhibited an increased (p<0.05) significantly different with control. The NFT technique grown millet and mustard plants showed increased (p<0.05) significantly different with control experiment grown plants. Chlorophyll ‘a’ was high (8.17mg) in NFT and low (2.34mg) in control. Maximum chlorophyll ‘b’ content was 8.45mg in plants experiment with NFT and minimum obtained (0.84mg) in control. Carotenoid content was high 707mg in plants grown through NFT followed by low content (239mg) in control-plant. In addition, NFT system has obtained maximum number of colonies compared with control. Further investigation and implementation of alternative food systems could be a step in increasing local food production, and shifting away from the industrial global food market.