30th Annual Student Research Conference
Efficacy of Watercress as a Biofilter in Aquaponic Systems
Levi S. Perry*, Daniel B. Mccurry, Riley Daufenbach, ShyAnne Koehler, and Stephanie Dearwester
Dr. Michael Seipel, Faculty Mentor
Two tanks of sixty (60) liters each were equipped with a pump and aerator. Both tanks were then stocked with twenty (20) two-inch goldfish. The water passes through a filter tray filled with clay beads designed to filter out ammonia produced by the fish as a waste product in each tank. If left unfiltered, the waste would otherwise build to toxic levels in the water. In the experimental tank, watercress (Nasturtium officinale) plants are rooted in the clay beads. The alternative hypothesis being that ammonia concentration will be lower in this tank. Ammonia will be measured by titrating with sulfuric acid at .05 molar concentrations; readings will also be recorded three times per week for water temperature and pH. Paired sample t-test will be used to test the mean difference in parameters. Feed will be weighed equally for each tank and fed daily.
Keywords: watercress, aquaculture, ammonia level, fish, titration, clay beads
Topic(s):Agricultural Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 205-4
Location: MG 2001
Time: 10:15