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Evaluate the Date Palm Fiber Mesh as an Alternative Sustainable Media in a Simple Aquaponic System
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Researchers evaluated date palm fiber mesh as a biofilter media in a recirculating aquaponic system, finding it performed comparably to commercial plastic media for supporting fish and plant growth while reducing the risk of microplastic release into the water and food products. Natural fiber biofilter alternatives to plastic media represent a practical strategy for reducing primary microplastic generation in aquaculture systems that produce food for human consumption.
In aquaponic systems, plastic is commonly used as a biofilter media. Nevertheless, plastic is costly and can potentially erode and release microplastics into the environment. This study investigated the feasibility of using Date Palm Fiber Media (DPFM) as a biofilter media and compared it with commercial plastic media (PM) in a simple recirculation aquaponic system (SRAS). Moreover, its impact on the growth of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and basil was investigated. Experiments were implemented in two treatments with three independent aquaponic units for each. The biological filter of the first treatment was filled with 10 L of PM while the second treatment was filled with 10 L of DPFM. Revealed that the DPFM could work as a biological media and a mechanical filter to remove a quantity of TSS from water decrease the accumulation of total suspended solid (TSS) on plant roots, and enhance the uptake of nutrients. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the surface morphology of DPFM after 8 weeks of experiment was smooth cylindrical free of filaments and impurities with a few protrusions. The concentration of Na (118.15 mg L−1), B (0.15 μg L−1), Ba (0.23 μg L−1), Cd (0.002 μg L−1), Al (0.41 μg L−1), and Ag (0.23 μg L−1) was significantly higher in water of PM compared with DPFM. Basil growth in DPFM treatment was insignificantly better than PM, while the average plant height and stem diameter, 72.1 cm and 8.1 mm respectively were significantly higher in DPFM. Meanwhile, the fish growth for DPFM was better than that of PM. DPFM could be used as an alternative bio media instead of PM in a simple aquaponic system.
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