Eco-friendly Fish Manure Aquaponics & Solar Powered To Solve Farming Land

Decreasing

Eljay C. Concepcion

Clarenz Jariel A. Cruz

Brenda Nicole DC. De Silva

Investigators

Ideelyn P. Guevarra

Project Adviser

San Ildefonso National High School

November 2023
 Researcher’s Profile

Researcher Name,
Address,
and Project
Telephone Adviser
First Middle Last Name Grade Age Gender Title of the Number of
Level Project the School
Name Name
and
Division

San
Eco-friendly Ildefonso
Eljay Villamonte Concepcion 10 15 Male
Fish Manure National
Aquaponics High
& Solar School, E
Powered To Viudez Ideelyn P.
Solve St., Guevarra
Clarenz Adrales Cruz 10 16 Male
Farming Poblacion,
Jariel Land San
Decreasing Ildefonso,
Bulacan,
Brenda Dela Cruz De Silva 10 15 Female
(044) 762-
Nicole 0805

2
 Table of Contents
Title Page.............................................................................................................................1
Researcher’s Profile……………………………………………………………………….2
Table of Contents.................................................................................................................3
Introduction..........................................................................................................................4
Statement of the Problem.........................................................................................9
Hypothesis................................................................................................................10
Significance of the Study..........................................................................................12
Scope and Delimitations...........................................................................................13
Definition of Terms..................................................................................................14
Risk and Safety………………………………………………………..…………...15
Methodology.........................................................................................................................16
Data Analysis............................................................................................................21
References.................................................................................................................22
List of Figures
Figure 1. The Conceptual Framework of the Variables............................................12
Figure 2. The Research Process Diagram..................................................................16
Figure 3. Flow chart of Fish Manure ………...........................................................17
Figure 4. Aquaponics …………………………………………..…..………...…….19
List of Table
Table 1. Materials and Equipment for Fabrication................................................................17

3
 Introduction

The worldwide increase in human population raises a big threat to the security of each

people as the land for agriculture is limited and even getting reduced with time, it is essential that

agricultural productivity should be enhanced significantly within the next few decades to meet

the large demand of food by emerging population. Not to add, an overreliance on chemical

fertilizers would inevitably have a negative impact on human health and ecology. To some

extent, using bacteria as bio-fertilizers is thought to offer an alternate possibility for improving

crop productivity. 1

Aquaponics is the practice of growing fish and plants simultaneously using hydroponic and

aquaculture techniques. Aquaponics can contribute to food security, but its interdisciplinary

nature and technical skill requirements may also be a useful educational tool. Students could

engage in activities including chemistry, physics, biology, and sustainability with aquaponics to

further their comprehension of scientific concepts. Aquaponics may be a useful tool for science

education because of its multidisciplinary character, but the same feature may also make an

aquaponics system difficult to set up. ²

These findings read the researchers to make Aquaponics a system of growing crops

together in a recirculating water system and a sustainable and natural method of growing plants
1 Rockstörm, Johan, Jeffrey D. Sachs, Marcus C. Ohman, and Guido Schmidt-Traub 2013 Sustainable development and planetary boundaries ²
Rakocy J E, Donald S, Bailey, R. Charlie S and Eric S Thoman 2004 Update on tilapia and vegetable production in the uvi aquaponic system) in
new dimensions on farmed tilapia: Proc. of the 6th International Symposium on Tilapia in Aquaculture p 12 – 16

4
and aquatic animals. Aquaponics is a combination of culture (the growing of fish and other

aquatic animals) and aquaponics provides the plants with everything they need, nutrients,

oxygen, and water in perfect combination and totally sustainable however innovation and

technology in agriculture after farmers more sustainable ways to provide sufficient water to

plants. 1

Our topic is important to local farmers so they can learn more about this kind of farming

method. Nationally, it is more important if people can learn it so that they can make their own

food. All plants that live in water can be grown in aquaponics, not just those that grow or those

that should be planted in the ground, not in water. Internationally, it's good because aquaponics is

more and will grow more in the agricultural economy because it's the topic chosen by the

researchers. What we are pursuing is still important because it is more unique than the topics of

other researchers our topic is more necessary in the times we are facing today because of the

rising food prices, you can avoid the cost more if you have your own way of eating. ⁴

1 McMurtry M R, P V Nelson, D C Sanders and L Hodges 1990 J. Applied Agric. Res. 5 280–84
⁴ Pilinszky K, Andras B, Gabor G and Tamas K 2015 Aquaculture 435 275–76
 The highly technical nature of aquaponics is often overlooked: a balanced system must

match the demands of the plant and fish species, plus the crucial nitrifying bacteria. Aquaponics

practitioners must be comfortable with the design and construction of the system,

environmentally, aquaponics can help solve the problems in food production in areas where

unpolluted water is scarce. Using, on average, 80% less water than traditional soil agriculture,

aquaponics can allow a community to produce far more, and far more nutritious food than they

could otherwise manage. Aquaponics be used to improve the livelihoods of households and

communities. If it requires daily maintenance to manage; feed fish, clean tanks, and maintain

adequate water conditions for the fish like temperature, carbon dioxide, PH, solids

concentrations, and PH. Initial startup costs can be high for some people. Instead of utilizing soil

or harmful chemical treatments to grow plants, aquaponics uses very nutrient-rich fish effluent,

which provides all the nutrients needed for the best possible plant growth. Insects, illnesses, and

other sorts of pollution can be avoided by paying attention to the small details, such as

maintaining a proper balance between fish waste and vegetable nutrient requirements. Year-

round, in any environment, aquaponics can be used to profitably grow food for a business, feed a

village, or sustainably raise fresh fish and vegetables for a family. It is a sector that is expanding

quickly because it is an excellent illustration of yearround, indoor farming that can be carried out

anywhere and produces local, fresh food without the need for pesticides, herbicides, or chemical

fertilizers. ⁵

⁵ Lennard W A and Brian V L 2006 Aquat. Int. 14 539–50

6
 The lack of arable land area and degradation with water scarcity are some of the current

problems of agricultural production, especially in the most underdeveloped areas with a scarcity

of resources. The consumer demand for fish has been increasing, but ocean fish catches continue

to decline, Aquaculture, the cultivation of freshwater and marine plants and animals, is one of the

fastest-growing segments of Philippine agriculture.⁶

Aquaculture as a business requires a stable run of the cultivation system. Aquaponics is a

relatively new concept to modern food production methods, the combined culture of fish and

plants in recirculating systems. Dissolved waste nutrients are recovered by the plants, reducing

discharge to the environment and extending water use by removing dissolved nutrients through

plant uptake, the water exchange rate can be reduced. Essential technical components of the

aquaponic system are the fish tanks and plant growth beds, while dedicated biofilters and settlers

are optional and depend on the configuration of the system. Fully contained climate-controlled

aquaponic systems potentially operate under water-conserving and contaminant-free conditions.

Aquaponics can be used to improve the livelihoods of households and communities. Fish is an

important source of protein in low and medium-income countries while vegetables improve

nutrition. ⁷

⁶ Palm H W, M Nievel and Ulrich K 2015 Significant Factors Affecting the Economic Sustainability of Closed Aquaponic Systems. Part III: Plant Units
AACL Bioflux 8 89–106
⁷ Naegel L C A 1977 Combined production of fish and plants in recirculating water Aquaculture 10
17–24

8
 The sustainability of the human race is a major concern for the sustainability of our

world. Aquaponics is a food production system that combines intensive aquaculture with

hydroponics, a successful system maintains a chemical balance and allows system functions that

are critical to stability and productivity to be optimized. Plant growth in Aquaponics is visually

and systematically vastly different from conventional growth, in farms, where natural

requirements are in place. ⁸

Population growth encourages people to create more employment opportunities; trade, service,

industry, etc. However, the problem that emerges when industrial areas are expanded is the

agricultural land areas decrease. To increase the food production by extensification is difficult in

this situation. If the agricultural land areas cannot be, keeping the remaining land areas is

important to keep food production continues. ⁹

The findings yield public policy and marketing recommendations for stimulating sustainable

food consumption among the young who can reasonably be assumed to constitute the main

market for sustainable food products in the future. Low perceived availability of sustainable

products explains why for some consumers intentions to buy remain low, although attitudes

might be positive. ¹⁰

⁸ Sneed K, K Allen and J E Ellis 1975 Aquaculture and the Fish Farmer 2 18–20
⁹ Love D C, Jillian P F, Ximin Li, Elizabeth S H, Laura G, Ken S and Richard E T 2015
Aquaculture 435 67–74
¹⁰ aohlfarth, G. W., and G. L. Schroeder. “Use of Manure in Fish Farming—A Review.” Agricultural Wastes, no. 4, Elsevier BV, Nov. 1979, pp.
279–99. Crossref, doi:10.1016/0141-4607(79)90012-x
 8

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to evaluate the potential of Eco-friendly Fish Manure Aquaponics & Solar

Powered To Solve Farming Land Decreasing Specifically, the researcher seeks answers to the

following questions:

1. What are the components of the Sustainability of Fish Manure Aquaponics?

2. What is present in fish manure that will affect to growth of the plants through aquaponics?

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Fish Manure Aquaponics?

4. How efficient is the Fish Manure Aquaponics in terms of:

4.1 Ph level of Water

4.2 PPM; Parts per Million

4.3 TDS; Total Dissolved Liquid

4.4 Voltmeter and amper

5. Is there any significant difference among the use of Ph level of Water, PPM; Parts per Million,

and TDS; Total Dissolved Liquid Voltmeter and amper in the performance of the

Sustainability of Eco-friendly Fish Manure Aquaponics & Solar Powered To Solve Farming

Land Decreasing in terms of:

5.1 Ph level of Water

5.2 PPM; Parts per Million

5.3 TDS; Total Dissolved Liquid

5.4 Voltmeter and amper

10
 9

6. Is there any significant difference between Fish Manure Aquaponics and usual hydroponics

being used by usual Farmers Growers in terms of:

6.1 Ph level of Water

6.2 PPM; Parts per Million

6.3 TDS; Total Dissolved Liquid

6.4 Voltmeter and amper

Null Hypothesis (Ho)

1. There's no substance present in Fish Manure that cannot affect the growth through Aquaponics

Planting System.

2. It is possible to plant, plants effectively but not for temporary us planting.

3. Fish Manure Aquaponics is not efficient in terms of:

3.1 Ph level of Water

3.2 PPM; Parts per Million

3.3 TDS; Total Dissolved Liquid

3.4 Voltmeter and amper

4. There is no significant difference among the use of Ph level of Water, PPM; Parts per Million,

and TDS; Total Dissolved Liquid in the performance of the Sustainability of Eco-friendly Fish

Manure Aquaponics & Solar Powered To Solve Farming Land Decreasing in terms of:

4.1 Ph level of Water

4.2 PPM; Parts per Million

4.3 TDS; Total Dissolved Liquid

4.4 Voltmeter and amper

5. There's no significant difference between Fish Manure Aquaponics and usual hydroponics

being used by usual Farmers Growers in terms of:

5.1 Ph level of Water

5.2 PPM; Parts per Million

5.3 TDS; Total Dissolved Liquid

5.4 Voltmeter and amper

Alternative Hypothesis (Ha)

1. There is a substance present in Fish Manure that cannot affect the growth through Aquaponics

Planting System.

2. It is possible to plant, plants effectively but not for temporary us planting.

3. Fish Manure Aquaponics is efficient in terms of:

3.1 Ph level of Water

3.2 PPM; Parts per Million

3.3 TDS; Total Dissolved Liquid

3.4 Voltmeter and amper

4. There is a significant difference among the use of Ph level of Water, PPM; Parts per Million,

and TDS; Total Dissolved Liquid in the performance of the Sustainability of Eco-friendly Fish

Manure Aquaponics & Solar Powered To Solve Farming Land Decreasing in terms of:

4.1 Ph level of Water

4.2 PPM; Parts per Million

4.3 TDS; Total Dissolved Liquid

12
 4.4 Voltmeter and amper

5. There is a significant difference between Fish Manure Aquaponics and usual hydroponics

being used by usual Farmers Growers in terms of:

5.1 Ph level of Water

5.2 PPM; Parts per Million

5.3 TDS; Total Dissolved Liquid

5.4 Voltmeter and amper

Conceptual Framework

IV DV

Ph level of Water, PPM, TDS Fish Manure Aquaponics

and Volts and amper

Figure 1. The conceptual framework of Variables

The figure above shows the conceptual framework of the study. This will determine the

effectiveness of Fish Manure Aquaponics Urban Farming for the Alternative Planting System.

Significance of the Study

Fish Manure Aquaponics - a farming system that integrates fish and plant production in a closed,

recirculating system.

The result of this study will benefit the following:

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First, the students, can perform water quality test, measure, and track growth rates in fish and

plants especially, and uses Organic Nutrients in the project’s Aquaponics planting system.

Secondly, the households, can be used by the households to make their own food to reduce the

cost, especially of food.

Third, to the farmers, it will help the farmers to further expand their knowledge of modern

methods and it will also increase their productivity.

Last, for the Adults, it's good to keep the elderly and produce their own food with the help of

Aquaponics.

Scope and Delimitations

This study will be limited to the use of the Sustainability of Fish Manure Aquaponics Urban

Farming planting system Tested by Ph level. PPM measurement,TDS and Voltmeter and amper

measurement as a replacement for a commercial Aquaponics planting system that uses energy.

The researchers will focus on developing devices that can generate recirculated water for

Aquaponics. Moreover, this study also focuses on the performance of FiMA in terms of nutrients

and plant growth. The researchers from San Ildefonso National High School will undertake an

under-testing to prove this. Ph meter, PPM meter, TDS and Voltmeter and amper measure will be

used to test the project invention.

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Definition of Terms

For clarification and further understanding of the important words used in this study, the

following terms are defined operationally:

1. Aquaponics. A system of aquaculture in which the waste produced by farmed fish or

other aquatic animals supplies nutrients for plants grown hydroponically, which in turn purify

the water.

2. Bio-fertilizer. Is a substance that contains living microorganisms which, when applied to

seeds, plant surfaces, or soil, colonize the rhizosphere or the interior of the plant and promote

growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant.

3. Cyanobacteria. Are a type of bacteria that are aquatic and photosynthetic, meaning they

live in water and can manufacture their own food through photosynthesis.

4. Eco-friendly. Eco-friendly items and materials are defined as being not environmentally

harmful. These products promote green living or green manufacturing methods that lessen the

amount or types of resources used.

5. Fish Manure. Fish manure is a great organic fertilizer for your garden. It is high in

nitrogen and phosphorus, which are essential nutrients for plant growth.

6. Fungi. It is a kingdom of usually multicellular eukaryotic organisms that are heterotrophs

(cannot make their own food) and have important roles in nutrient cycling in an ecosystem.

15
Fungi reproduce both sexually and asexually, and they also have symbiotic associations with

plants and bacteria.

7. Innovative. If you love to experiment and find new ways to do things, you are an

innovative person. Innovative, like nova, novel, and novice, comes from the Latin novus, which

means new. Something innovative renews or alters the way something has been done.

Risk and Safety

To keep the study and testing free from any hazardous occurrences once conducted, the

researchers should always observe the following:

1. Check the materials before and after use to avoid disturbances while the testing is being

initiated, specifically when creating the project devices.

2. Make sure to wear proper working materials in order to properly follow the procedures.

3. Let someone who has enough knowledge in terms of Ph level, PPM measurement, TDS and

Voltmeter and amper measurement

4. Be sure to further study this topic to expand your knowledge in this field.

5. Ask for guidance whenever procedures require the help of an expert.

6. The researchers must be reminded to know first aid for any possible injury that can occur

while doing the experiment.

7. The researchers must seek professional help to correct the use of the materials and protective

equipment.

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17
 METHODOLOGY

In this study, the researchers will choose an experimental research design. The efficiency of the

device Fish Manure Aquaponics in terms of the efficiency of fish manure and energy efficiency

will be tested using different tools, namely a Ph level, PPM measurement, TDS and Voltmeter

and amper measurement.

The study considers how everyone can contribute to improving the environment using an eco-

friendly multipowered device of Free-Energy Tool a hydroelectric energy and mechanical energy

that runs water in aquaponics.

Identification of Related Studies

Objective Title
the Problem and Literature

Fabrication of Design of the Research Formulation of

the Device Device Methodology Problem

Development of Testing and Analysis and Recommendation

the Device Results Conclusion

Figure 2. The Research Process Diagram

This study will transpire through the supervision of their research adviser at San Ildefonso

National High School.

Material

Collecting, Cleaning, Cutting

Aquaponics

Aquarium Base Making hose/Iron Preparing Seeds

 Prepare the Water Attaching plastic/net roof Grow the Seeds

Selecting Fish Assembling Pipes Enter to the System

Assembling tubular pipes Connecting the Pipes Testing and Results

Attaching solar Making base/stand Attaching wires

Attaching battery Attaching inverter Attaching outlet

Figure 3. Flow chart of Fish Manure Aquaponics

Table 1. Materials and Equipment for FiMA Fabrication

Materials Equipment

Tubular Downspout/Pvc Pipes PPM measurement

Styro/Plastic cups PH level

Aquarium TDS measurement

Net/Plastic Cutter

Elbow jetting Ruler

Tee Fittings Meter

Cap jetting Welding Machine

Ball valve Grinder Machine

Connector jetting Drill Machine

Silicon Sealant Gloves

 Styrofoam Pliers

Marker Welding Mark

Iron Angle ruler

Cable tees Hand saw

Rainwater Voltmeter

Aquatic animals Ammeter

Fabrication of the different devices

A. Aquaponics System

1. Begin by constructing the base of the system, ensuring it is built to scale for the available
area.

2. Install a net or attach plastic to the upper part of the system to provide shade and reduce
heat from the sun. The plastic also prevents water from penetrating inside.

3. Place tubular pipes in the system for planting the crops.

4. Attach PVC pipes to serve as water channels for the system.

5. Install a ball valve as a water lock in case of a power outage or energy shortage.

6. Build the base of the aquarium and the roof of the system.

7. Finally, prepare the plants, collect rainwater, and introduce fish to the system.

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 Plastic Net
Solar Panel

Frame Electricity

Cup
Inverter
Submersible Pump
Water level Battery
Plug
Plant
Fish
Fish Pool
Water

Figure 4. Aquaponics and Solar Power Components

Location Selection: Choose a location with sufficient access to sunlight and solar energy. Ensure
that there is a nearby water source and enough space for the fishpond, the fish pond chosen by
the researcher is located at Mataas na Parang San Ildefonso Bulacan.
Preparation of fish: The fish that the researcher will use is tilapia. The 3000 pieces of Tilapia
fish will be purchased in Poblacion, San Miguel Bulacan and will be put in the fish pond.

19
Testing the Fish Manure Aquaponics

The following procedures will be conducted to determine the efficiency of the device in terms of:

1.Test the quality of water in the system after it has passed through the plants from the fish
manure aquaponics. This can be done by measuring the pH value, and total dissolved solids
(TDS), and using a voltmeter and amperage meter in the laboratory of Department of
Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry in Brgy. Vasra, Quezon City, Philippines . These tests
will help determine if the water has the necessary nutrients from the fish manure.

2.Water quality testing: To determine the efficiency of the system in providing nutrients to the
plants, water samples will be collected before and after passing through the FiMA filte The pH
value of the water will be measured using a pH meter to determine if it falls within the desired
range, and also you can assess whether the water is acidic or basic. A pH value of 7.0 is
considered neutral, with lower values indicating acidity and higher values indicating alkalinity. If
the result is closer to the neutral pH value, it indicates that the filter is effective. Additionally, a
TDS meter will be used to measure the total dissolved solids in the water. This will help
determine the level of contaminants present in the water. By comparing the TDS levels before
and after filtration, you can assess the effectiveness of the filter.

3. Solar Power System. The electricity that will be produced by FiMA (Fish Manure Aquaponics)
solar power will be measured through the use of devices such as a multimeter and wattmeter.
These devices will measure the electricity in terms of:
Power (Watts): In terms of power (watts), a wattmeter will be the device to be used in order to
measure the power. This requires one current and one voltage input for power measurement. The
formula for Watts will be:
Watts=Amp x V[11]

Voltage (V): Another is the voltage (V), wherein it is the rate of the power flow. This will be
measured by using the multimeter. Its formula will be;
V= Watts/Amp
 20

Current (Amp): The same as the current (amp), it will be tested also using a multimeter. It is

defined as the measure of the electron’s flow rate or in short, the current in an electrical

conductor. The formula for current (amp) will be;

Amp= Watts/V

Data Analysis

1. One-Way Analysis of Variance. Good when one likes to find whether the difference

calculated among independent samples is significant or not. Data are in the interval

measurement.

1.1 Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The ANOVA test will be used in this study as the purpose

of this test is to compare the means among three or more groups. The same means that the Fish

Manure Aquaponics will be recorded in terms of its water quality (pH level, Parts per Million,

Voltmeter, and Ammeter) when the water has nutrients.

2. T-test. A t-test is a statistical test that can be used to compare the means of two groups,

unlike ANOVA which is used to test the means of three or more groups. In this study, a t-test will

be used also. It is to compare the Fish Manure Aquaponics Urban Farming efficiency in terms of

planting systems and Nutrient measurement with other commercially available Aquaponics and

Ph level,
PPM measurement, TDS, and Multimeter measurement in the market.

21

References

¹ Rockstörm, Johan, Jeffrey D. Sachs, Marcus C. Ohman, and Guido Schmidt-Traub 2013
Sustainable development and planetary boundaries

² Rakocy J E, Donald S, Bailey, R. Charlie S and Eric S Thoman 2004 Update on tilapia and
vegetable production in the uvi aquaponic system) in: new dimensions on farmed tilapia: Proc.
of the 6th International Symposium on Tilapia in Aquaculture p 12 – 16

³ McMurtry M R, P V Nelson, D C Sanders and L Hodges 1990 J. Applied Agric. Res. 5 280– 84

⁴ Lennard W A and Brian V L 2006 Aquat. Int. 14 539–50

⁵ Pilinszky K, Andras B, Gabor G and Tamas K 2015 Aquaculture 435 275–76

⁶ Palm H W, M Nievel and Ulrich K 2015 Significant Factors Affecting the Economic
Sustainability of Closed Aquaponic Systems. Part III: Plant Units AACL Bioflux 8 89–106

⁷ Naegel L C A 1977 Combined production of fish and plants in recirculating water Aquaculture
10 17–24

⁸ Sneed K, K Allen and J E Ellis 1975 Aquaculture and the Fish Farmer 2 18–20

⁹ Love D C, Jillian P F, Ximin Li, Elizabeth S H, Laura G, Ken S and Richard E T 2015
Aquaculture 435 67–74

¹⁰ aohlfarth, G. W., and G. L. Schroeder. “Use of Manure in Fish Farming—A Review.”

Agricultural Wastes, no. 4, Elsevier BV, Nov. 1979, pp. 279–99. Crossref,
doi:10.1016/01414607(79)90012-x.
22