Iron supplementation and management in aquaponic systems: A review
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Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Aquaculture Reports
Abstract
Iron is one of the essential micronutrients for plant development and fish growth in aquaponic systems. Iron is an
essential element for photosynthesis, DNA synthesis, and many other cellular functions for plants. With regard to
fish, it is an integral component of proteins involved in cellular respiration and oxygen transfer. Aquaponic
systems are often iron deficient due to low amounts of iron in commercial fish feeds. Therefore, iron needs to be
supplemented to ensure optimal plant performance. Adding these supplements requires close management of the
system, and careful selection of chelating substances as the Fe-chelate bioavailability is environment dependent.
Reports of iron supplementation and management in aquaponic systems are limited. This review critically examines
iron supplementation strategies, different sources of iron and factors influencing iron uptake for optimal
biomass production. The effectiveness of different iron chelates is also discussed. Furthermore, optimum ranges
of dissolved iron concentrations for different components in an aquaponic system are reported. This review aims
to provide a better understanding of iron optimisation strategies to minimise iron deficiency and enhance
biomass growth.
Description
Keywords
Aquaponics, Chelates, Iron supplementation, Micronutrient
Citation
Kasozi, N., Tandlich, R., Fick, M., Kaiser, H., & Wilhelmi, B. (2019). Iron supplementation and management in aquaponic systems: a review. Aquaculture Reports, 15, 100221.