AQUAPONICS AS A PERSPECTIVE CONCEPT FOR URBAN AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT

Aquaponics is a combined hybrid system of fish-farming and hydroponics. Vegetables and herbs are grown in containers that do not contain soil, and plants receive their nutrition from wastewater discharged from ponds. Plants feed on bacteria from fish waste products, and then this water is returned back to pond in purified form. In comparison with a hydroponic system, aquaponics has certain advantages: multipurpose installation usage, diversity of products, low level of nitrates. In the conditions of aquaponic installation there is an additional water purification due to direct absorption and assimilation of nitrogen ions by plant roots. No herbicides and pesticides are used in aquaponics, as they are harmful to colonies of bacteria and fish themselves, while allowing production of high-quality organic products. The need to use a large number of chemicals that require special storage and use conditions is limited. Also, this system can significantly save water resources, especially-in systems with maximum water circulation.