In an era of growing urbanization and increasing food insecurity, a new study published in Engineering offers a promising solution through the innovative use of urban aquaponics. The research, titled "Shaping Resilient Edible Cities: Innovative Aquaponics for Sustainable Food–Water–Energy Nexus," explores how aquaponics—a system that integrates fish farming with soilless plant cultivation—can enhance urban food security while reducing environmental impacts.
The study, led by Qiuling Yuan and Fanxin Meng from Beijing Normal University, along with an international team of researchers, provides a comprehensive methodology and framework to assess the sustainability of aquaponics systems within urban jurisdictions. The research focuses on Beijing, China, as a case study to evaluate the potential of rooftop aquaponics (RA) and ground aquaponics (GA) in terms of water efficiency, energy consumption, and carbon emissions.
Aquaponics combines aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponics (soilless plant cultivation) to create a symbiotic relationship between fish and vegetables. This system recirculates water from fish tanks to plant beds, where bacteria convert fish waste into nutrients for plants. The water is then returned to the fish tanks, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes water use and waste.
The researchers identified potential areas for urban aquaponics in Beijing by analyzing building types and sizes within the city's built-up areas. They found that commercial buildings offered the most potential for rooftop aquaponics, with an area of 3.4 km². Educational and industrial buildings also showed significant potential, covering 2.3 and 1.9 km², respectively. The study also considered ground aquaponics in suburban areas, where protected agricultural areas could be converted into aquaponics systems.
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