Acuaponic production of tilapia and lettuce in semi-arid regions: water efficiency and nutrient recycling

María Gabriela Cervantes-Vázquez, Tomás Juan Álvaro Cervantes-Vázquez, J. Guadalupe Luna-Ortega, Magdalena Galindo-Guzmán, Alma Patricia Galindo-Guzmán, Anselmo González-Torres, Juan Luis Ríos-Plaza

Abstract


Background: Water scarcity and food insecurity in arid regions such as the Comarca Lagunera demand sustainable production models. Aquaponics, integrating fish and plants in a closed-loop system, emerges as a viable alternative to optimize resources and strengthen food self-sufficiency in rural areas. Objective: To evaluate the productive performance, water efficiency, and technical and economic feasibility of a low-cost aquaponic system combining tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under semi-arid conditions. Methods: Three production systems were compared under semi-controlled conditions for 18 weeks: aquaponics (fish and plants), aquaculture (fish only), and hydroponics (plants only). Growth performance, water consumption, nutrient recycling, and operating costs were analyzed. Results: The aquaponic system increased final tilapia weight by 22.3%, lettuce root development by 28%, and reduced water use by 30% compared to hydroponics, while achieving 89.3% nitrate absorption and 38.5% lower operating costs. Implications: The results demonstrate that aquaponics can improve water-use efficiency, reduce the use of fertilizers and plastics, and promote circular economy models applicable in rural communities with limited resources. Conclusions: Aquaponics is a technically and economically feasible alternative for semi-arid regions, integrating water efficiency, nutrient recycling, and sustainable food production, contributing to food security and local resilience.

Keywords


aquaponics; water efficiency; tilapia; rural sustainability.

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URN: http://www.revista.ccba.uady.mx/urn:ISSN:1870-0462-tsaes.v28i3.64808

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.56369/tsaes.6480

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Copyright (c) 2025 María Gabriela Cervantes-Vázquez, Tomás Juan Álvaro Cervantes-Vázquez, J. Guadalupe Luna-Ortega, Magdalena Galindo-Guzmán, Alma Patricia Galindo-Guzmán, Anselmo González-Torres, Juan Luis Ríos-Plaza

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