UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPUR

MALAYSIAN INSTITUTE OF
CHEMICAL AND BIOENGINEERING
TECHNOLOGY

PREPARED FOR:

Dr Nadia Bt Razali

Prepared by:

Fawwaz Nur Nabiha Bt Noor Azmi

55203113732
[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 1
Table of Contents
Executive Summary......................................................................................................................... 4
1.0 Introduction To Company .................................................................................................... 7
1.1 General Company Description....................................................................................... 7
1.2 Business Project ............................................................................................................. 7
1.2.1 History................................................................................................................... 7
1.2.2 Future Target ........................................................................................................ 7
1.2.3 Potential................................................................................................................ 8
1.3 Location of Company ..................................................................................................... 8
1.4 Organization Chart......................................................................................................... 9
2.0 Research and Development............................................................................................... 10
2.1 Industrial Agriculture Concern..................................................................................... 10
2.1.2 Excessive Chemical Fertilizer ............................................................................. 10
2.1.3 Health Issues ...................................................................................................... 11
2.2 Eco Agriculture............................................................................................................. 12
2.2.1 Green Initiatives on Agriculture......................................................................... 12
3.0 Product Overview .............................................................................................................. 13
3.1 Aquaponic Garden ....................................................................................................... 13
3.2 Problem Statement...................................................................................................... 14
3.3 Objectives..................................................................................................................... 14
4.0 Project Management ......................................................................................................... 15
4.1 Engineering Design ...................................................................................................... 15
4.1.1 Site Selection...................................................................................................... 15
4.1.2 Structure Design ................................................................................................ 16
4.2 Management Option.................................................................................................... 17
4.2.1 Climate Consideration ........................................................................................ 17
4.2.2 Plant Determination ........................................................................................... 17
4.2.3 Breeding Determination ..................................................................................... 18
4.3Laboratory Testing ........................................................................................................ 19
4.3.1 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) ................................................................... 19
[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 2
 4.3.2 pH Analysis........................................................................................................... 20
4.3.3 Heavy Metal Content by using Atomic Absorbance Spectrometer .................... 21
5.0 Future Target and Concern ................................................................................................ 22
5.1 Food safety................................................................................................................... 22
5.1.1 Bacterial Disease in Chain Uptake ....................................................................... 22
5.2 Water ........................................................................................................................... 23
5.2.1 Contaminants in water. ....................................................................................... 23
5.2.2 Algae .................................................................................................................... 24
5.3 Fish ............................................................................................................................... 24
5.3.1 Public Health Associated with Aquaponic Environment. ................................... 24
5.4 Plant ............................................................................................................................. 25
5.4.1 Soil Contaminant Uptake through the plant. ..................................................... 25
6.0 Research Planning.............................................................................................................. 26
6.1 Planning and Progress.................................................................................................. 26
7.0 Financial Projection............................................................................................................ 27
7.1 Material Costing........................................................................................................... 27
8.0 Prototype Outcome..27

8.1 Water Quality Management..28

8.1.1 Heavy Metal..28

8.1.2 pH.29

8.1.3 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)29

8.2 Plant Production.30

8.2.1 Rate of Growth30

Conclusion..................................................................................................................................... 32
Appendixes34

References .................................................................................................................................... 36

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 3

List of Figures
Figure 1: Organization chart for Beta Bots Inc............................................................................ 9
Figure 2: The Structure of Aquaponic Garden. ......................................................................... 13
Figure 3: Propose Project Location. .......................................................................................... 15
Figure 4: Basic System Design. .................................................................................................. 16
Figure 5: Aquaponic System Chain............................................................................................ 17
Figure 6: Adult Tilapia Fish in Malaysia. .................................................................................... 19
Figure 7: Biochemical Oxygen Demand Ratings........................................................................ 20
Figure 8: pH Levels and Effect Scale Chart. ............................................................................... 21
Figure 9: The Bacterial Cycle in Aquaponic System. ................................................................. 23
Figure 10: Proposed Aquaponic Garden Project Gantt Chart .................................................. 26
Figure 11: Dynamics of Zn, Pb and Fe presences in the fish water tanks in 28 days29
Figure 12: Rate production of spring onion production until its maturity of 32 days....32
Figure 13: Optimal nutrients concentrations for mineralin a standard solution (mgL-1)...34
Figure 14: Parameter Limits of Effluent of Standard A and B35

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 4

List of Tables
Table 1: Total capital costs for a media bed ( 1000 litre fish tank and 3 m3 growing space)28
Table 2: total monthly operating cost for running a small-scale aquaponic unit. ................ 28
Table 3: The results of the measured heavy metals parameters in the experiment.28
Table 4: Tabulated data of Bod level within 25 days30
Table 5:Findings on the rate of spring onion production until its maturity of 32 days.31

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 5

Executive Summary

Beta Bots Inc. is a licensed agro allied company based in Malacca Malaysia as agriculture
based company focusing on cultivation of crop through Organic Aquaponics.

Aquaponics is a method of food production which combines the best aspects of aquaculture
and hydroponics to create a highly productive living ecosystem for sustainable agriculture.
Organic Aquaponics seeks to bring aquaponics to our local market through the use of
commercially viable strategies to grow nutritious vegetables using the most sustainable
agriculture systems available. Today, agriculture is much different than that practiced by our
grandfathers. Threatened by problems related to water shortages, topsoil loss, reliance on
fossil fuels inputs and a changing climate, the productivity and reliability of food systems and
ecosystems are at stake. Alternatives are needed which are more efficient in use of resources,
sustainable, resilient and better mesh with the communities. Aquaponics is an agricultural
technique poised to meet the current and future needs for locally raised, healthy and
sustainable produce. Currently, many competitors exist who sell organic and conventional leafy
greens. Market differentiation can be demonstrated by showcasing the great taste of
aquaponics produce, the living produce we will sell which stay longer and the sustainability of
aquaponics agriculture. By focusing on local and regional market, we will produce within our
community and expand the crops available within the living produce niche. Maintaining a
proper balance within the living ecosystem between fish feeding rates as input and plant
uptake of nutrients are the underlying key to system stability and production.

To ensure the success of Organic Aquaponics, Beta Bots Inc will establish a highly productive
and stable ecosystem and demonstrate the superior taste and shelf life of aquaponics
vegetables in order to differentiate this company form traditionally grown produce. Also, we
will strive to educate others as we develop techniques that are scalable form backyards to large
commercial farms in order to lighten the impact of modern agricultural practices.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | Executive Summary 6

1.0 Introduction to Company

1.1 General Company Description

Aquaponics is a method of food production which combines the best aspects of

aquaculture and hydroponics to create a highly productive living ecosystem for
sustainable agriculture. By cultivating fish and plants in a re-circulating system, fish
water can be converted to plant food using natural bacterial cycles. Organic Aquaponics
seeks to utilize cutting-edge aquaponics techniques to grow organic vegetables for our
community, educate others about aquaponics potential, and demonstrate the
sustainable nature of our aquaponics food production.

Organic Aquaponics goal is to grow healthy food for our region, optimize water and
energy efficiency of aquaponics operations, demonstrate the commercial viability of
aquaponics farming and promote the sustainability of aquaponics as an alternative to
existing food production systems. Beta Bolts Inc will strive the best to educate others as
this company develop techniques that are scalable from backyards to large commercial
farms in order to lighten the impact of modern agricultural practices.

1.2 Business Project

1.2.1 History
Aquaponics is most well known in Australia where recent droughts have transformed
the way water is used. The practice of aquaponics is experiencing significant growth
among backyard gardeners and permaculturists as they embrace the opportunities of
space saving and food production. Commercialization at this time has been limited
despite the incredible opportunity it presents and the improved economy of scale it
offers over the more common backyard systems. By producing high quality and
nutritious vegetables in amounts 8 to 10 times greater than in soil, Beta Bots Inc believe
aquapnics presents tremendous opportunities for commercial and urban farmers.

1.2.2 Future Target

Initially, Beta Bots Inc plan on establishing relationship with wholesalers to focus on the
energy build out and refining the production process. This will be very important to
[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 1.0Introduction to Company 7
 ensure an initial revenue stream and quickly ramp up sales volume. While volume sales
at the wholesale level are important, significantly less revenue is generated per item
produced. By month 6, we will establish relationships and contracts with grocers, and
Farmers Market customers to capture a larger percentage of the non-wholesale
market. As our products become established with the community and retail sales
expand, we will able to earn more revenue per unit.

1.2.3 Potential
The potential for aquaponics to capture a large scale of the fresh produce market in any
one of location will be difficult due to the expensive and established food distribution
network. Organic Aquaponics plan to supply the growing market share for the seasonal
vegetable demand of local communities with an aquaponics system which is both water
and energy efficient with minimal input requirements. This resource efficient and cost
effective alternative to traditional agriculture is well positioned to advance to
commercial production. Aquaponics has faster production cycles and increased planting
densities compared to traditional agriculture, providing aquaponics a distinct advantage
moving forward.

1.3 Location of Company

The physical location of our facility will be 8 000 ft2 greenhouse located in Melaka. The
hours of operation will typically be from 7 AM to 4 PM Monday to Friday with minimal
operations on the weekends but is dependent on workplace needs and production
requirements.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 1.2.3 Potential 8

1.4 Organization Chart

Chief Executive
Officer (CEO)
HASLIYANA FATIN BT
REBZUWAN

General Farm
Manager
FAWWAZ NUR NABIHA BT
NOOR AZMI

Sales and
Accountant Cultivation Marketing
Manager Officer
NUR HANA AMIRA BT
ANUAR AIDA SYAKIRA BT NURUL IZWANI BT
ARIDI MOHAMAD HANAFI

Figure 1: Organization chart for Beta Bots Inc.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 1.4Organization Chart 9

2.0 Research and Development

2.1 Industrial Agriculture Concern

The definition of Industrial agriculture is a form of modern farming which refers to the
industrialized production of poultry, livestock, fish and crops. The methods of industrial
agriculture are techno scientific, economic and political (Amitava.M.,2012). To achieve
economic scale in production the innovation are needed such as the innovation in
agricultural machinery, farming methods or genetic technology. The industrial
agriculture system consumes fossil fuel, water and topsoil at unsustainable rates. It
contributes to numerous forms of environmental degradation, including air and water
pollution, soil depletion, diminishing and biodiversity. According to The Union of
Concerned Scientists, the industrial agriculture views the farm as a factory with inputs
which refer to pesticides, feed, fertilizer and fuel, and the outputs which refer to corn,
chickens and so forth. Many of industrial agriculture generate wastes that harm the
environment. No matter what methods are used, agriculture always has some impact on
the environment. But industrial agriculture is a special case: it damages the soil, water,
and even the climate on an unprecedented scale.

2.1.2 Excessive Chemical Fertilizer

Fertilizer is any substance used to add nutrients to the soil to promote soil fertility and
increase plant growth. As all known not all fertilizers are made the same and not all are
healthy for the soil. Soil health relies on a balance of macronutrients and
micronutrients, as well as microbial health. The biggest issue facing the use of chemical
fertilizers is groundwater contamination. Nitrogen fertilizers break down into nitrates
and travel easily through the soil. Because it is water-soluble and can remain in
groundwater for decades, the addition of more nitrogen over the years has an
accumulative effect.

At the University of Wisconsin, Madison, they discovered the effects of chemical

fertilizers are compounded when mixed with a single pesticide. They discovered altered
immune, endocrine and nervous system functions in mice, as well as influence on
childrens and foetus developing neurological, endocrine and immune systems. These
influences portend change in ability to learn and in patterns of aggression (Terry. D.,
1999). One popular fertilizer, urea, produces ammonia emanation, contributes to acid
rain, groundwater contamination and ozone depletion due to release of nitrous oxide by
denitrification process. The increased use and projections of future use, this problem
[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 2.0Research and Development 10
may increase several fold in the coming decades. Groundwater contamination has been
linked to gastric cancer, goitre, birth malformations, and hypertension, testicular cancer
and stomach cancer.

Perhaps one of the scariest effects of chemical fertilizers is called methemoglobinemia

(Bachiret al., 2015)In infants it is alternatively known as Blue Baby Syndrome. The risk
most often occurs when infants are given formula reconstituted with nitrate
contaminated water. The condition causes a decrease in oxygen in the blood and results
in a blue-grey skin color, causes lethargy and/or irritability and can lead to coma or
death.

2.1.3 Health Issues

Many of the agricultural chemicals approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) contain ingredients that are known carcinogens, while others cause severe
allergies, birth defects and various health problems. In addition, those who grow food
for animals rely heavily on synthetic petroleum-based fertilizers, and animal waste itself
contains residues from the massive doses of non-therapeutic antibiotics and artificial
growth hormones that animals are routinely fed or injected with to prevent illness and
accelerate weight gain. Ultimately, the dangerous compounds found in agrichemicals
end up as pollutants when wind and rain disperse them into the environment.

Agricultural pollution is the main source of pollution in water and lakes. Chemicals from
fertilizers and pesticides make their way into the groundwater that ends up in drinking
water. Health related problems may occur as it contributes to blue baby syndrome
which causes death in infants as informed before. Oil, degreasing agents, metals and
toxins from farm equipment cause health problems when they get into drinking
water.The agricultural sector has undergone immense change since the publication of
Agriculture at Risk in 1988.

In some respects there has been improvement in the health and safety of those working
in agriculture due to improved technology, personal protection, and awareness of
hazards. The establishment of the NIOSH Agricultural Health and Safety Centres as a
result of that effort has provided a network for the collaboration of academic health
centre researchers, agricultural safety educators, and agricultural engineers to institute
a multi-disciplinary approach to research, outreach, and education in agricultural health
and safety. The regional centres appropriately reflect the geographic variation in
farming conditions and practices. Regulatory approaches to improving occupational and

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 2.1.3Health Issues 11

 environmental health in agricultural practices have included the passage of the Worker
Protection Standard in 1992 and the Food Quality Protection Act in 1996, both dealing
exclusively with pesticides.

2.2 Eco Agriculture

Eco agriculture is a landscape approach to natural resource management that pursues
three goals, which is conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem
services, sustained agricultural production, and improved rural livelihoods.

2.2.1 Green Initiatives on Agriculture

Green revolution technologies have more than doubled the yield potential of rice and
wheat, especially in Asia. These high input production systems requiring massive
qualities of fertilizers, pesticides, irrigate on and machines, however, disregard the
ecological integrity of land, forests and water resources, endanger the flora and fauna
and cannot be sustained over generations. To a great extent, future food security and
economic independence of developing countries would depend on improving the
productivity of biophysical resources through the application of sustainable production
methods, by improving tolerance of crops to adverse environmental conditions and by
reducing crop and post-harvest losses caused by pest and diseases. Indigenous
agricultural practices can play a key role in the design of sustainable and eco-friendly
agricultural systems, increasing the likelihood that the rural population will accept,
develop and maintain innovations and interventions.

In this context, those eco-friendly methodsare being considered as environmentally

safe, selective, biodegradable, economical and renewable alternative for use in organic
farming system. Organic farming implies, that the use of organic nutrients and adoption
of natural methods of plant protection in place of fertilizers and pesticides. To the
maximum extent feasible organic farming system rely upon crop rotations, crop
residues, animal manures, legumes, green manures, mineral baring rocks and aspects of
biological pest control to maintain soil productivity and tilth to supply plant nutrients
and to control insects, weed and other pests.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 2.2Eco Agriculture 12

3.0 Product Overview

3.1 Aquaponic Garden

Figure 2: The Structure of Aquaponic Garden.

Aquaponic is a system of aquaculture in which the waste produced by farmed fish or
other aquatic creatures supplies the nutrients for plants grown hydroponically, which in
turn purify the water. Aquaponics has its roots in ancient China and parts of the
aquaponics system were developed in other areas of the world where high
concentrations of people lived who were observant of the relationships that existed
naturally in their environment (Phyllis et. al.,2013). In China, farmers knew that land
livestock waste could be added to their fields or ponds to increase production of
vegetables and fruit bearing plants. They also noticed that different fish had different
tolerances to the level of land-animal waste in their water. the advantages of
aquaponics system is environmentally responsible with its low water usage and low
power usage, low input with simply feeding the fish, chemical free because there is not
a need for synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, easy to grow plants, low susceptibility to
pests and diseases, timely crop turn around, increased crop production per square foot
versus traditional farming, multiple crops and fish can be grown from the same system
and fish can also be harvested as a food source.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 3.0Product Overview 13

3.2 Problem Statement

Large-scale industrial agriculture and farming is one of the most environmentally

damaging practices on the planet. The worlds population is estimated to reach 10
billion people in the next 40 years, which means that humans will have to expand
agricultural production of arable land to approximately 2.5 billion acres, a landmass
larger than Canada, in order to grow enough food to feed the rising population. The
World Health Organization estimates that 70 percent of the world population will live in
urban centers by 2050. Lack of fresh, affordable food and education about how to
obtain this food in low-income neighborhoods, along with other institutional barriers,
are at the core of food injustice and food access issues in major metropolises around the
country and worldwide.

Aquaponics is an innovative agricultural method based in ecological design that limits

inputs and waste through integrated multi-trophic fish and vegetable production. By
using the waste stream of fish as a nutrient source for hydroponically grown plants,
both can be raised in a recirculating system without the need for additional inputs such
as fertilizers or pesticides. Hydroponics grows plants through a similarly efficient
recirculating water based system but relies on the addition of nutrient solution to feed
the plants.

3.3 Objectives

To promote green technology

To reduce the usage of chemical fertilizer
To produce chemical free plant

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 3.2Problem Statement 14

4.0 Project Management

4.1 Engineering Design

4.1.1 Site Selection

When considering a certain facility or expansion of facility, the importance of site
selection in controlling cost and maximizing profitability are very much concern. In order
to suits well with the objectives of the project in creating awareness program as well as
using the most preferable placement for the project to be developed is near the
Administration Building in UNIKL MICET itself. An approximate of 129 sqft size of the
garden located between the students Susur Gajah and Lecturers Toilets in
Administration Building. It should be a perfect fit for mini Aquaponics Garden project
size.

Figure 3: Propose Project Location.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 4.0Project Management 15

4.1.2 Structure Design
The aquaponic systems puts fish waste to work as fertilizer for corps growth. A small
pump will draws nutrients-rich water from the fish tank into the grow beds. The water
then trickles down through the roots of the plants, gathering oxygen from the air as it
falls back into the tank. The system is mostly enclosed, with little to no waste and no
need fertilizer or pesticides. Eventually, water needs to be replaced by the lost as
needed. The system can scale up to commercial size as well.

Figure 4: Basic System Design.

As it can be seen in the figure above, the concept where water flows from the fish tank
(A) to the garden beds (B). And then, from (B) back to (A) again. The secondary
components (c,d & e) facilitate the movement and distribution of water between to two
primary components.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 4.1.2 Structure Design 16

 Figure 5: Aquaponic System Chain.

4.2 Management Option

4.2.1 Climate Consideration

Change in climate will impact the water availability and water needs for irrigation. Plants
growing in a high carbon dioxide environment may have lower water need. In addition,
widespread increased humidity will slow transpiration, further reducing the need for
water. However, these benefits will probably be overshadowed by the lack of available
water due to increased droughts and heat waves. The corps or grow beds in Aquaponics
system will transpire more heavily that when under normal growing conditions, and
would likely be needing more water to adjust to these climate changes. As UNIKL MICET
located in Alor Gajah in Malacca country where the Aquaponics Garden proposed to be
place and locate, the climates tend to be suitable for this project as reported in rainfall
catchment data according to Malaysian Meteorological Department in 2016.

4.2.2 Plant Determination

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 4.2Management Option 17

Common plants that do well in Aquaponic system are including any leafy lettuce, pak
choi, arugula, spinach, basils, mint, spring onion and many other house plants.
Aquaponic plants are subjected to many of the same pests and diseases that affect field
corps, although they seem to be less susceptible to attack from soil-borne pests and
disease (Nelson, R. L., 2008). Because plants may absorb and concentrate therapeutic
agents used to treat parasites and infectious disease of fish, determining specific plant is
very much crucial parts in the project. Furthermore, base on proximity and the duration
of how long the plants will grow are very much concern so that the Aquaponic project
will continue to provide its beneficiary and productivity not only fish but also plants as
well. Therefore, spring onions are to be selected as suitable plant for this project due to
duration of growth and easy to handle along testing process. Spring onion should be
fully grown in just 28 days later after planting. Spring onion as well is likely to be in
demand especially in Asian country. Although, there are any other house plant can be
use in Aquaponics system accordingly to desire.

4.2.3 Breeding Determination

The Aquaponics fish has great significance. The fish is the number one factor that will
ensure the sustainability of that Aquaponics system chain. The fish life cycle produces all
the necessary nutrients for the plants. There are many species of fish that can be breed
including Crappie, Catfish, Tilapia, Koi or any other freshwater fish. It may require
careful evaluation especially when breeding different species in a single tank. A
common Aquaponic system in industry however breeds Tilapia best. An economic fish
and most demand fish are believe to be able to grow delightedly. They are believed
resistant to disease and parasites. They also can handle wide range of water quality and
temperature challenges. They can survive longer in a toxic water environment with low
oxygen or high ammonia levels. In the best of environments, they can grow up to 2.5lbs
in just seven months duration (Popma, T., & Masser, M., 1999). How many growth of
Tiliapia should depend on how big the tank can hold up. 5 young Tiliapia can be filled in
standard size aquarium of 70 gallon water.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 4.2.3 Breeding Determination 18

 Figure 6: Adult Tilapia Fish in Malaysia.

4.3 Laboratory Testing

4.3.1 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Test for water quality by the producer of the Aquaponics system should be taken to
note. It is relevant to effluent, waste management and standards of water quality in
aquaculture in general. Water can be a carrier of many microorganism including
pathogenic strains of bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonela and others. Even small
amounts of contamination with some of these organisms can result food borne illness in
humans. Therefore, the water quality in direct contact with the edible portion produce
may need to be a better quality so that it needs to be control. It is important to
minimize unwanted microbial contamination growth in the water. Furthermore,
nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are two essential nutrients that needed by
plants even aquatic life which here includes fish breeding. But in large quantities they
can cause major water pollution problem. Too many nutrients stimulate the rapid
growth of algae, clogging waterways and sometime create bloom of toxic blue green
algae. Biochemical Oxygen Demand or known as BOD will eventually use to test the
water quality in the Aquaponics system. It is however will measure the quantity of
oxygen used by aerobic microorganism. Somehow, it will counter on whether the water
is to pollute where it indicates that organic matter are present and microorganism are
not decomposing the waste content in the water due to many of microorganism. This
may increase the growth of microbial contamination growth. Hence, it also means that
it does not comply with good water quality. The analysis should be complied to the
Malaysian Environmental Quality Act 1974 for water effluent at maximize requirement
in such standard B.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 4.3Laboratory Testing 19

 Figure 7: Biochemical Oxygen Demand Ratings.

4.3.2 pH Analysis

Most water for aqua agriculture should have natural pH in the range of 6 to 8. Acid
deposition has many harmful ecological effects when the pH of most aquatic systems
falls below 6 especially below 5. Extreme pH can kill adult fish and invertebrate life
directly and can also damage developing juvenile fish. For example, the toxicity of
ammonia is ten times more severe at a pH of 8 that it is at pH 7. It is directly toxic to
aquatic life when it appears in alkaline conditions (Rakocy, J. E., 1988). Therefore, it is
curial to control the pH of the water tank in the Aquaponic system. And so the
procedure should cover on both grow beds and water for every 5 days to maintain its
pH. A 25g of sample that will be tested will be collected in a 50ml beaker. Then, 20ml of
deionized water will be mix with the magnesium oxide sample with 10 swirls until
homogenous condition and it will be reading for sealing with aluminum foil. The sample
then will let be rested about 30 minutes before measuring the pH of the mixture by
using the pH meter accurate to 0.1 units, equipped with temperature compensation. A
standardize the pH meter routinely using buffers of known pH (Potassium Acid
Phthalate, pH 4.01 0.01; and Phosphate Buffer Solution, pH 7.00 0.01).

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 4.3.2 pH Analysis 20

 Figure 8: pH Levels and Effect Scale Chart.

4.3.3 Heavy Metal Content by using Atomic Absorbance Spectrometer

Heavy metals are natural common occurring element. Not all heavy metals are toxic to
human. Their toxicity depends on several factors including dose, route of exposure and
chemical species and others. Mercury poisoning from the case of Minamata disease in
Japan during the 1950s is one of the tragic outcome that caught public attention
around the world (Nazir et al., 2015). This is practically a clear and affectively powerful
example of excessive concentration of elements in food chains that leads towards an
adverse health effect. Therefore, it is crucial to identify any heavy metals content that
may consist in the chain in such Aquaponics system. It may be vary from the uptake of
fish foods in the tank and circulates through the chain which will then affect the water,
soils and plants in the Aquaponics system. The concentration of heavy metal content in
the water and soils in the grow beds will be determined by Atomic Absorbance
Spectrometer. The use of absorption of light will be measuring the concentration of gas
phase atoms. A Perkin Elmer Analyst 200 model will analyze samples based on the
standard procedure provided by the manufacture. The analysis should be complied to
the Malaysian Environmental Quality Act 1974 for water effluent at maximize
requirement in standard B.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 4.3.3 Heavy Metal Content by using Atomic 21
Absorbance Spectrometer
5.0 Future Target and Concern

5.1 Food safety

Today, agriculture is much different than that practiced by our grandfathers. Threatened
by problems related to water shortages, topsoil loss, reliance on fossil fuel inputs, and a
changing climate, the productivity and reliability of our food systems and ecosystems
are at stake. Alternatives are needed which are more efficient in use of resources,
sustainable, resilient, and better mesh with our communities. Aquaponics is an
agricultural technique poised to meet our current and future needs for locally raised,
healthy and sustainable produce.

5.1.1 Bacterial Disease in Chain Uptake

Bacteria is a crucial and pivotal aspect in aquaponic system.They serving as the bridge
that connects the fish waste to the plant fertilizer.This biological engine will remove
toxic wastes by transforming them into accessible plant nutrients.The nitrfying bacteria
will convert the fish water which enters the system mainly in ammonia, into nitrates
whish is fertilizer for the plants (Figure 5.1).

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 5.0Future Target and Concern 22

 Figure 9: The Bacterial Cycle in Aquaponic System.

Like other animals raised for food, fish reared in aquaculture/aquaponic facilities have
the potential to be affected by a variety of viral, bacterial, parasitic, and mycotic (fungal)
agents, and also may be contaminated by antibiotics, mycotoxins (toxins produced by
molds), pesticides, etc.. Several food-borne pathogens (parasites, bacteria, viruses,
dinoflagellates) and toxins are associated with aquatic species (Harper, 2002).

5.2 Water

5.2.1 Contaminants in water.

From the perspective of food safety, the source of water used in aquaponic systems has
the potential to have a significant bearing on the quality of the final products, whether
they are fish or plants. Contaminants in water aquaponic system can bring a lot of
trouble to human and fish. It can bring a dangerous disease and make the growth plant
stop.In order to overcome this problem, it can be solve by make sure the type of water
in aquaponic system. Firstly, if the water is come from the tap, make sure that water is
dechlorinated by letting it cycle or sit for a while. Chlorine will kill your bacteria as well
as your fish.Then, if the water collect from another source such as river, stream or pond,

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 5.2 Water 23

 make sure to do water testing to ensure that it does not contain fish parasites or
chemical.

5.2.2 Algae

Algae commonly occur in aquaponic systems. Over time, algae populations stabilize in
systems, but when systems are just getting started, algae can be very frustrating, locking
up valuable nutrients and causing pH values to swing wildly throughout the day. The
algae that occur in most aquaponic systems and cause the most problems are green
algae. Green algae are a type of algae that consists of single celled and multi-celled
organisms with chloroplasts- just like plants. In aquaponic systems, there is typically
plenty of single celled algae, and often times multi-cellular algae as well. Decomposition
of algae isn't typically a problem in aerobic environments. Oxygen consumption happens
when dead algae begins to decompose. This isnt usually an issue if it happens in grow
beds, or other aerobic environments. It is really an issue when it happens in the fish
tanks or other aquatic environments. Decomposition consumes a lot of oxygen, so when
the decomposition of algae (or any other organic waste for that matter) happens
beneath the surface of the water, often oxygen is consumed faster than it can be
replenished. When this happens, all of the aerobic organisms in the system suffer,
including bacteria, fish and plants. For this reason, accumulating algae should be
removed from the system as it begins to die off, or minimally, more aeration should be
provided to the system as algae blooms begin to die off (either through aeration or
circulation).

5.3 Fish

5.3.1 Public Health Associated with Aquaponic Environment.

Human infections that may be caused by bacteria in fish include food poisoning and
gastroenteritis, wound infections and mycobacterial infections (tuberculosis).Fish borne
bacterial food poisoning may be caused by the bacteria naturalyy present in aquatic
environment, those derived from aquatic pollution or during handlind and processing.If
fish contaminated with the pathogen, the harvasted an consumed, gastroenitis may
result.Therefore, futher corncern during handling aquaponic system and type of fish
that will be pick to be on aquaponic system.The type of fish will give a different impact
and disease.Choose the fish that have less risk to the public health and easy to breeding.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 5.2.2 Algae 24

5.4 Plant

5.4.1 Soil Contaminant Uptake through the plant.

Over-fertilization of soils used for agricultural and horticultural purposes is a growing

environmental concern. Optimum nutrient levels listed on soil test results represent the
range at which plant growth is maximized. Nutrient levels that are above optimum do
not improve plant growth. In addition, excessive nutrients can cause adverse effects on
plant growth, increase the potential for environmental contamination due to leaching,
and represents a waste of resources.In particular, above optimum nitrogen and
phosphorus levels can lead to excessive plant and algal growth in waterways that can
degrade drinking water, fisheries, and recreational areas. High potassium can lead to an
imbalance of base saturation levels as well as high soluble salts (an optional test
available with the Routine Soil Analysis). High calcium and magnesium levels are
commonly associated with pH values above 7.0.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 5.4 Plant 25

6.0 Research Planning

6.1 Planning and Progress

Figure 10: Proposed Aquaponic Garden Project Gantt Chart .

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 6.0Research Planning 26

7.0 Financial Projection

7.1 Material Costing

Aquaponics requires several essential inputs, including fish feed, electricity,

seeds/seedlings, fish fingerlings, supplemental plant fertilizer and water to replenish the
unit. All of these inputs are available for purchase, yet there are simple methods of
producing many of them domestically using sustainable practices. These methods may
reduce the unit running costs per year and help keep production as environmentally
responsible as possible.

The cost of the aquaponic garden consists of the initial price for installation as well the
maintenance and irrigation costs. Size of the area also is a major factor to know the cost
of implementing of aquaponic garden.Aquaponics can be more productive and
economically feasible in certain situations, especially where land and water are limited.
Economically, these systems require substantial initial investment, but are then
followed by low recurring costs and combined returns from both fish and vegetables. In
practical terms, this results in significant savings on electricity and operating costs.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 7.0Financial Projection 27

Table 1: Total capital costs for a media bed ( 1000 litre fish tank and 3 m3 growing space).
Price (RM)
Fish tank (glass or plastic) 150
Flood Table
Media Bed Support ( wood 100
planks @ concrete blocks)
Electrical equipment : water 100
pump, air pump and
connections
Plumbing: pipe, pipe fitting 50
and connections
Miscellaneous items: fish 100
net, etc
Fish and plant 200
Total 700

Table 2: total monthly operating cost for running a small-scale aquaponic unit.
System inputs Unit Units per month Price per unit Total cost (RM)
(RM)
Plants Seedling 35 0.10 3.50
Fish Fingerling 5 1.00 5.00
Electricity kWh 25 0.10 2.50
Water Litre 450 0.0027 1.20
Fish feed Kg 4.5 2.5 11.25
Miscellaneous - 1 3.00 3.00
Total 26.45
costs/month

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 7.1Material Costing 28

8.0 Prototype Outcome

The Aquaponics Garden prototype experiment via several parameters was studied at
TN48 Bandar Baru Simpang Empat, Alor Gajah, Melaka in Malaysia starting from 28 October
2016. The aquaponic gardens prototype developed with only three medium size tilapia
breeding in 204 gallon fish water tank and grow beds of 6 seeds of spring onion place
accordingly lined planted in the same time with size of 20cm X 10 cm. It is also include with the
in planting the normal vegetation grow beds without aquaponics system to determining the
differences of growth rate.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 8.0Prototype Outcome 29

8.1 Water Quality Management

8.1.1 Heavy Metal

Table 3: The results of the measured heavy metals parameters in the experiment

Day/Analysis pH Zn Fe Pb Date
(mgL-1)
1 7.2 0.05 0.08 0.02
2 7.2 0.05 0.08 0.02
3 7.1 0.05 0.1 0.2
4 7.3 0.05 0.1 0.2
5 7.3 0.05 0.15 0.2
6 7.2 0.05 0.15 0.2
7 7.3 0.05 0.2 0.3
8 7.2 0.05 0.5 0.3
9 7.1 0.05 0.7 0.2
10 7.2 0.1 0.9 0.2
11 7.3 0.1 1 0.2
12 7.2 0.1 3.2 0.2
13 7.4 0.1 2.4 0.2
14 7.3 0.2 2.4 0.2
15 7.2 0.3 2 0.2
16 7.3 0.3 2 0.3
17 7.4 0.5 2 0.3
18 7.3 0.5 2 0.2
19 7.2 0.5 2 0.2
20 7.4 0.5 2 0.2
21 7.3 0.4 1 0.2
22 7.2 0.3 1 0.2
23 7.2 0.2 1 0.3
24 7.3 0.2 0.5 0.3
25 7.2 0.1 0.5 0.3
26 7.3 0.1 0.5 0.3
27 7.1 0.1 0.4 0.3
28 7.2 0.1 0.2 0.3

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 8.0Prototype Outcome 30

 Heavy Metals Concentration Presences in 28 days
3.5

2.5
Concentration (mgL-1)

2
Zn (mgL-1)
1.5 Fe
PO4
1

0.5

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Days

Figure 11: Dynamics of Zn, Pb and Fe presences in the fish water tanks in 28 days

The water from fish breeding tank undergoes laboratory test analysis for heavy metal
contents. It was observed that, there were presence of Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe) and Lead (Pb) and
the amount of every heavy metals presence within 28 days analysis presented in Table 8.1 and
the graph was plotted (Figure 8.1). The highest amount of Zinc, Iron and Lead contained in
water were 0.5 mg/l, 3.2 mg/l and 0.3 mg/l respectively. Making compared with EQA 1974 for
water effluent requirement in Standard B, the optimum acceptable effluent for Zinc is 1.0 mg/l
while for Iron is 5.0 mg/l and for Lead is 0.5 mg/l. The graph indicated that these heavy metal
parameters were still not exceed the limit, thus the water is safe to consume. If there were
excessive amount of these heavy metals, it was reported to cause other effects which may
leads to adverse health effect of consumer and threaten the aquatic life.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 8.0Prototype Outcome 31

8.1.2 pH

pH is an important factors because it controls the availability of the fertilizer salts, where
can affects the solubility of nutrients by the plant roots. From that pH also can trace metals such
as iron, manganese, copper, zinc and boron. The pH of a solution can range between 0 and 14
where 7.0 is a neutral solution for pH. This takes into account the facts that the bacteria that
perform the nitrification process which is required to transform the ammonia produced by fish
into nitrite and then nitrate which then feeds the plants work best at pH between 7.0-9.0
(Rakocy, Buttner et al.)

From the first day, pH values showed a neutral pH, slightly alkaline. These values
indicate that the growth medium has a pH good for the fish. At these pH values one can achieve
optimal nitrification, the required values for that are pH of 6.5-8.5. That shown Rakocy
suggestion where pH 7.0 and above are the best compromise between fish and plants.

8.1.3 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Aquaponics is primarily about balancing an ecosystem of three groups of organisms

which is fish, plants and bacteria.Each organism in an aquaponic unit has a specific tolerance
range for each parameter of water quality.One of the parameter that measured in this project
is Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD).Biological Oxygen Demand parameter will indicate the
amount of microorganism that live inside the water.The reading of BOD was measured in
aquaponic garden after each 5 days.The table below shows the range data of BOD reading for
25 days.

Table 4: Tabulated data of Bod level within 25 days

Day BOD level

0 3
5 5
10 4
15 3
20 4
25 4

According to Malaysian Environmental Quality Act 1974 for water effluent at maximize
requirement in such standard B, the level should be within the range 1 until 5 ppm.Above with
that range it will consider the water is polluted and indicates the higher amount of organic
matter is present and bacteria are decomposing.It will increase the growth of microbial
contamination growth.The result obtained was followed with the standard from Malaysian
[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 8.0Prototype Outcome 32
Environmental Quality Act 1974.The range of BOD level in aquaponic garden water was
between 3 to 4 ppm.The figure below shows the Biological Oxygen Demand Ratings.

Figure 12: Biological Oxygen Demand Ratings.

8.2 Plant Production

8.2.1 Rate of Growth

Table 5:Findings on the rate of spring onion production until its maturity of 32 days

Days Aquaponics Plant, Normal Vegetation Plant,

Height (cm) by average Height (cm) by average
data data
0 0 0
4 0.7 0.2
8 2.4 1.6
12 5.8 3.2
16 8.1 6.4
20 13.6 7.9
24 17.5 9.5
28 18.1 10.3
32 18.3 10.3

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 8.0Prototype Outcome 33

 Spring Onion Plant Growth Rate in 32 days
20
18
16
14 Aquaponics
Height (cm)

12 Plant
10
8
Normal
6
4
Vegetation
2 Plant
0
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32
Days

Figure 13: Rate production of spring onion production until its maturity of 32 days

The goal for this experiment was to determine which crop medium yielded the greatest growth
performance. The average height of spring onion in aquaponics process and normal vegetation
media were plotted which illustrates in Figure 12. The growth rates were recorded until the
optimum growth of the spring onion which is in up to or more than 28 days. The continual
growth for the first 12 days for both vegetation processes had a slight of differences. The result
tends to allocate that the plant production base on aquaponics process kept increase away
from the normal vegetation plant. Aquaponic process seems to be more efficient in short term
of growth rate. Hence, this helps the productivity of the plantation duration is in short time
period making it increasing in production rate. This explains that the medium in which plant is
cultivated plays a major role in overall growth. An alternative way in substituting Aquaponics
Garden system in agriculture today however may help for future marketing in vegetation.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 8.0Prototype Outcome 34

Conclusion

Aquaponics garden project are believe as modern green technology agriculture project
where best aspects of aquaculture and hydroponics to create a highly productive living
ecosystem for sustainable agriculture. With the help of lab testing that controls the water
quality and soils altogether will help to alter and determining the best environment of the
system so it can achieves it target. Creating awareness by developing this project will ensure
the knowledge of green agriculture approaches as well as strives to produce and promote
chemical free base plant and fish product produce. Aquaponics is an agricultural technique
poised to meet the current and future needs for locally raised, healthy and sustainable product.

For the future recommendation the heavy metal concentration can be determined on
the tissues of fish from the aquaponic garden. Fish living in polluted waters tend to accumulate
heavy metals in their tissues. Generally, accumulation depends on metal concentration,
environmental condition( water temperature, pH, hardness, salinity). The fish bioaccumulate
the heavy metals in a considerable amount and stay over for a long period. Most of them
accumulate mainly in liver, kidney and gills. Moreover heavy metal also can be determined on
the soil. Heavy metal polluted soil can affect the aquaponic plant. Plants growing on these soils
show a reduction in growth, performance, and yield. Soil health relies on a balance of
macronutrients and micronutrients, as well as microbial health The factors influencing solubility
and form of available metal species in soil vary widely geographically and include the
concentration of the element entering soil, soil properties (endogenous metal concentration,
mineralogy, particle size distribution), and soil processes (e.g., mineral weathering, microbial
activity), as these influence the kinetics of sorption reactions, metal concentration in solution
and the form of soluble and insoluble chemical species. The plant root represents the first
barrier to the selective accumulation of ions present in soil solution. Other recommendation is
changing the types of plant leafy lettuce, pak choi, arugula, spinach, basils, and mint.

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | Conclusion 35

APPENDIXES

Figure 13: Optimal nutrients concentrations for mineralin a standard solution (mgL-1)

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 36

Figure 14: Parameter Limits of Effluent of Standard A and B

[AQUAPONICS GARDEN by BETA BOTS INC.] | 37

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