Analysis of an aquaponic system using photovoltaic solar panels in Codó-MA (Brazil)

Aquaponics is a term used to combine hydroponics and aquaculture, a system that includes raising fish and plants in the same space. The objective was to implement the aquaponic system in the municipality of Codó-MA to evaluate the performance of animal and plant species, tambatinga and lettuce respectively, obtaining solar as the main source of energy, using a photovoltaic solar panel to supply the aquaponic system. The system was installed at the Federal Institute of Maranhão -Campus Codó, divided into four parts, a tank for fish allocation, a hydroponic bench following the format of six channels with six meters each, the biofilter that performs the filtration of the water as well as the transformation of the ammonia present with the aid of expanded clay, having as energy source solar plate, charge controller, battery and inverter. There was a loss of 50% of juvenile fish caused by system failures. The average weight went from 11.59 to 22.75g, the feed conversion after the second weighing was 0.77. The lower the feed conversion value, the more efficient the feed. The plants showed intense yellowing of the leaves and an average of 11 leaves/plant, the average root length was 24.3 cm. The mean initial and final lengths of juvenile fish were 90.26 and 110.05 respectively. The results showed that despite the losses, tambatinga considerably regained its initial weight. It is observed that the results of the experiment qualify the technology used as capable of developing aquaponics activities with good productivity, and can even be replicated on a larger scale, provided that a technology transfer process takes place that considers the specific characteristics of the species involved in the system intended production. (author)