The Egyptian Chinese University (ECU) in the Mara-Mediterra partnership is leading the research on the theme of aquaponic wetlands.
In agreement with the originally foreseen work plan, the effort is conducted in 3 stages: construction, operational automations, and research execution.
Following the technical planning and design specifications of the system by ECU in cooperation with the entire Mara-Mediterra team, a call for tender was launched by ECU and the first 2 stages have been completed successfully (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Dr. Alaa El-Din Abdin and Dr. Rasha El-Kholy inspecting the aquaponic wetlands facility constructed on the campus of the Egyptian Chinese University.
The novel system simulates the provisioning and regulatory services of wetland ecosystems for growing plants on floating rafts and for nature-based water quality improvement in a closed loop system. The system consists of fish tanks, a mechanical and biological filtration system, floating rafts and growing beds, water pump, plants and a harvesting system. Such NbSs of eco-engineering that rely on ecosystem services, are able to address food security and safety challenges, while contributing to efficient water use and pollution control.
The write-ups below are linked to video clips (Figure 2), produced by in the ECU team of researchers, led by Prof. Dr. Alaa El-Din Abdin.
Figure 2. The video clips uploaded to YouTube
The first video clip brings into view the different components of the system and explains why the cultivation of plants needs to be combined with fish farming. The clip also informs about the benefits brought by vermicomposting as a natural fertilizer.
Transcript of the first video clip, Spotlight on Aquaponic Wetlands – Part 1 (access the first video clip via this link)
Aquaponics and soilless agriculture are sustainable crop cultivation methods. Aquaponics combines aquaponics and hydroponics in a close-loop system. Both methods aim to reduce waste and produce high-quality crops with less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than traditional farming. Our system combined from (Aquaponics, Sandoponics, Areoponic and Deep Water Culture). Fish are a critical component of Aquaponics systems because they provide nutrients for plant growth and their waste is converted into fertilizer. Aquaponics systems use a high-protein diet to feed fish, which then produce waste that is broken down by bacteria into nutrients for plants. Different types of fish can be raised in Aquaponics systems, but water temperature, pH, and oxygen levels must be considered. Fish waste in Aquaponics systems is converted by bacteria into nitrates, which plants use as nutrients for growth. Aquaponics can produce high-quality fish that are free from antibiotics and other harmful chemicals, making them an attractive option for consumers seeking healthy and sustainable food sources. By combining fish farming and plant cultivation, Aquaponics creates a mutually beneficial relationship that maximizes resource utilization and reduces waste.
Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer produced by the breakdown of organic matter through the digestive system of worms. Vermicomposting is an environmentally friendly and sustainable way to convert food waste, yard waste, and other organic materials into a valuable soil amendment. Vermicompost contains beneficial microorganisms and nutrients that can improve soil health and fertility, making it a valuable addition to any farming system. Using vermicompost can also reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, which can harm the environment and contribute to climate change. Overall, vermicomposting is an effective way to recycle organic waste and create a natural fertilizer that can benefit both plants and the environment.
Figure 3. Vermicomposting explained
The second video clip brings into view the operational automations that have been puts into place.
Transcript of the first video clip, Spotlight on Aquaponic Wetlands – Part 2 (access the second video clip via this link)
ECU’s Automated aquaponics system was assembled by a specialized team to intelligently feed concentrated solutions to the water that nourishes the plants. The solutions are applied in specific proportions according to the plant’s age, depending on whether the plant is a seedling or in growth stage. The system is flexible according to needs and can be operated either manually or automatically. The nutrients A, B and C, each serve a different purpose and are capable of drawing from the sub-tank of the solution an injecting it into the mixing compartment. The upper part is capable of accessing all the sub-tanks to monitor the nutrients, ensuring the presence or absence of a solution. Suppose there is a blockage in a tank, meaning that the light is off and there is an alarm sound. The alarm will activate and alert the electronic system. We can store the age of the plant, the type of plant, the concentration value for each solution and the ability to adjust anything. The alarm displays a number indicating an issue from the displayed digits. The automatic feeding control device has the ability to control the number of feedings per day and the number of spoons served from 1 to 999. Based on the project’s research: the system is very effective in generating nano-bubbles that are vital for aeration in the fish tank.
Aquaponic Wetlands bring one of four eco-engineering solutions that are being research in the context of Mara-Mediterra. The other eco-engineering solutions are on the themes of micro-ecosystem based afforestation, hydraulic barrier simulation and dynamic water allocation.
Cross-border transfer of knowledge
The prototype system of ECU triggered the interest of the Lebanese Living Lab for sustainable food production in the disadvantaged (mountainous and low-income) area of Akkar al-Atika, while the open ecosystem of the Living Labs network facilitated the cross-fertilization of knowledge across borders. Through the assessment of the local implementation particularities and priorities in the Lebanese Living Lab, a locally adapted system configuration was formulated. For this purpose, a survey targeted on the local potential of the system and the expected environmental and socio-economic benefits, has been launched in Lebanon collecting 100 replies from local stakeholders. Small, decentralized units were defined as more appropriate for the area in order to be used at the household/neighbourhood level, while the system configuration was optimized to reduce construction and operation costs. Taking into account the above, the UL proceeded with the design of an aquaponic system (Figure 4), the land settings for the establishment of the unit and the purchase of necessary materials for the installation.
Figure 4. Design of the aquaponics system in Lebanon
The previous chapter in Mara-Mediterra’s Journey can be accessed through this link.
