Performance evaluation of a peri-urban aquaponics system

ANTHONY C  ORTEGA

doi:10.56093/ijas.v96i7.169927

Authors

ANTHONY C ORTEGA Bulacan Agricultural State College, Pinaod san Ildefonso, Bulacan 3010, Philippines

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v96i7.169927

Keywords:

Aquaponics, Artificial lights, Filtration, Food security, Hydraulic behaviour

Abstract

The study, conducted from April to July 2025, evaluated the performance of a peri-urban aquaponics system, Table 3 Return on investment and payback period for aquaponics systems under different configurations focusing on structural integrity and

System setup

ROI

Payback period

Modified setup

57.71%

1.73 yr

Existing setup

6.17%

16.21 yr

ROI, Return on investment.

operational efficiency. The evaluation of the system demonstrated that structural operational efficiency. The evaluation of the system demonstrated that structural integrity remained intact despite prolonged inactivity, providing a sound basis for operational testing. Hydraulic trials confirmed flow rates within recommended ranges and subsequent adjustments achieved uniform distribution, ensuring nutrient availability and system stability. Lighting modifications standardised exposure across grows channels, aligning with controlled environment standards and improving canopy photosynthesis.

Operational results showed that lettuce in the modified system produced significantly higher fresh weights (43.82 g vs. 22.91 g) despite slightly shorter heights, reflecting improved productivity under optimised light and hydraulic conditions. African catfish exhibited a 15.7% increase in mean harvest weight (353 g vs. 305 g), meeting BFAR and SEAFDEC benchmarks for marketable size at 20 weeks. Independent sample t-tests confirmed highly significant differences in both plant and fish performance, validating the effectiveness of system modifications. Economic analysis further underscored the benefits of optimisation, with the modified system achieving a 57.71% ROI and a payback period of 1.73 yr, compared to only 6.17% ROI and 16.21 yr for the existing setup. These findings highlight the technical, biological and financial viability of the modified aquaponics system as a replicable model for sustainable, community-based peri-urban food production.

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