Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: ROBSON SILVA DE LIMA

Uma banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO de DOUTORADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : ROBSON SILVA DE LIMA
DATE: 23/02/2026
TIME: 14:30
LOCAL: Video chamada via Googlemeet (https://meet.google.com/hvu-qzwt-rpj)
TITLE:

Small-Scale Aquaponics: Efficiency of Biological Filtration and Alternative Cultivation Supports from a Sustainability Perspective

KEY WORDS:

Aquaponics; Biological filtration; Sustainability; Family farming; Nutrient recycling.

PAGES: 86
BIG AREA: Ciências Agrárias
AREA: Agronomia
SUMMARY:

Food production faces increasing challenges associated with freshwater scarcity, environmental degradation, limited arable land, and growing food demand driven by population growth. In this context, it becomes necessary to develop production systems that use resources more efficiently and align with sustainability principles. Aquaponics, by integrating recirculating aquaculture systems with hydroponics, stands out as a promising technology due to water savings, nutrient recycling, and reduced effluent discharge. However, its adoption by small-scale producers remains limited by high initial costs, technical complexity, and scientific gaps related to biological filtration efficiency and the physical components of plant cultivation, particularly plant support structures. Therefore, this thesis is justified by the need to generate scientific knowledge that enables the adaptation of aquaponic systems to the reality of family farming, reducing costs and production risks without compromising biological performance. The general objective was to evaluate the efficiency of biological filtration and the performance of alternative cultivation supports in small-scale aquaponic systems, analyzing their effects on water quality, zootechnical performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and vegetable crop development. The following hypotheses were tested: (H₁) alternative biofilter media show filtration efficiency comparable to commercial media; (H₂) different filtration media significantly influence water quality and fish performance; (H₃) vegetable development depends on biofiltration efficiency; (H₄) plant support structures affect plant growth in NFT systems; and (H₅) low-cost alternative materials can reduce initial investment without compromising productive efficiency. The research was structured as an article-based thesis, combining a systematic literature review and experimental studies. The review analyzed publications on filters and filtration media in aquaponics, identifying trends, gaps, and technological approaches. The experiments were conducted in small-scale aquaponic systems at the Federal Institute of Sergipe, evaluating different biofilter media and plant support structures. Physicochemical water parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate), zootechnical performance of tilapia (growth, survival, feed conversion), and agronomic variables of vegetables (height, number of leaves, fresh and dry mass) were monitored. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). The expected results include demonstrating that alternative low-cost biofiltration media and plant supports can maintain water quality, sustain fish growth, and promote plant development, while also helping to control algal growth in NFT systems. The findings aim to provide technical support for the implementation of more accessible, resilient, and sustainable aquaponic systems, increasing their feasibility for small-scale producers and contributing to food security and efficient resource use.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): #01 - No Poverty; #02 - Zero Hunger and Sustainable Agriculture; #04 - Quality Education; #06 - Clean Water and Sanitation; #07 - Affordable and Clean Energy; #10 - Reduced Inequalities; #11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities; #12 - Responsible Consumption and Production; #13 - Climate Action; #14 - Life Below Water; #15 - Life on Land

SOCIAL IMPACT OF THE THESIS

The thesis presents direct social impact by focusing research on the reality of family farming and small-scale producers, groups that historically face limited access to productive technologies. By proposing and evaluating low-cost technological solutions, especially related to biological filtration and alternative cultivation supports in small-scale aquaponic systems, the study contributes to adapting this technology to contexts with limited resources, reducing costs, production risks, and barriers to adoption. In this way, it promotes the democratization of aquaponics, expands productive inclusion, and fosters greater equity in access to innovation.

The work also directly impacts food and nutritional security. Small-scale aquaponic systems, adaptable to households, backyards, and urban environments, stimulate self-consumption, food autonomy, and the strengthening of local food systems. The simultaneous production of fish and fresh vegetables increases household resilience in scenarios of food insecurity and socioeconomic instability.

From an economic perspective, the research contributes to supplementary income generation by proposing technical alternatives that reduce initial investment, especially in filtration and plant cultivation components. This lowers financial risk and increases productive feasibility for farmers with limited resources.

There is also environmental impact, as the study supports sustainable production practices based on efficient water use, nutrient recycling, reduced effluent generation, and decreased dependence on synthetic fertilizers, key aspects for small producers exposed to water scarcity and rising input costs.

Finally, the study has educational relevance, as it can be used as a didactic tool in technical and higher education institutions, contributing to the training of professionals and producers in sustainable technologies.

Thus, the thesis contributes in an integrated manner to food security, technological inclusion, income generation, environmental sustainability, and capacity building, strengthening more resilient and accessible family-based production systems.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Externo à Instituição - PAULO CESAR FALANGHE CARNEIRO - EMBRAPA
Presidente - 2380571 - CIBELE SOARES PONTES
Interno - 1062272 - JULIO ALEJANDRO NAVONI
Externo ao Programa - 1166812 - WALLACE SILVA DO NASCIMENTO - null