Integrating Desert Sand Utilization in Saltwater Aqua-Vegeculture Production: Performance Evaluation of Yield and Biochemical Composition.

BACKGROUND

Saline aquaponics integrates fish and crop cultivation in saltwater environments by utilizing abundant saltwater resources. The integrated aqua vegeculture system (iAVs) shows promise for water conservation and environmental resilience.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate lettuce growth in iAVs with varying salt levels and investigate how saltwater impacts the biochemical properties and growth of both fish and lettuce.

METHODS

Over four months, iAVs were incorporated into an existing aquaponic system with lettuce () and tilapia (). Four treatments were tested: freshwater (control-T1) and saltwater concentrations of 1 (T2-2.5%), 2 (T3-5%), and 3 (T4-7.5%).

RESULTS

Increased salinity did not affect the fish growth parameters, with a 90% survival rate across all groups. Higher salinity levels potentially improve fish farming efficiency. Lettuce growth was optimal in freshwater, with promising results at the T2 and T3 levels, but T4 had negative effects. Proximate composition analysis showed a decline in lettuce nutritional elements as the saltwater concentration increased.

CONCLUSION

This approach could transform food production in coastal regions and arid nations, addressing food security and water scarcity issues while alleviating the pressure on freshwater sources.