Integration of probiotics in aquaponic systems: an emerging alternative approach

Abstract

The increasing demand on water resources, reduced land for agriculture, and concerns over food and nutrition security have prompted the evolution of innovative and complex food production systems. In this context, e cient and sustainable food production systems such as aquaponics are viewed as an important and environmentally friendly technology for adaptation under resource-limited environments. Producing food in soilless systems is a promising strategy, as this method utilizes signi cantly less water than traditional agricul- ture. However, optimizing growing conditions to enhance crop and sh yields in aquapon- ics is frequently ambiguous and is often not economically feasible. One of the strategies to improve plant yields and supply of nutrients in aquaponics is the application of probiotics. With this strategy, the crop yields in aquaponics are improved via a variety of mechanisms, including nitrogen xation, solubilization of mineral nutrients, organic matter mineraliza- tion, plant hormone modulation, and biocontrol. As a result, incorporating probiotics in aquaponic systems is a strategy for mitigating environmental e ects and advancing sustain- able agriculture. This review paper provides the current knowledge of the use of probiot- ics in aquaponics. Suggestions for further studies on the e ects of probiotics in aquaponic systems are proposed. Through literature review, integrating probiotics into aquaponic systems has the potential to improve nutrient supply, modulation of water quality param- eters, and microbial communities, which are key processes in enhancing the productivity of aquaponic systems.