5. Bacteria in aquaponics

Bacteria are a crucial and pivotal aspect of aquaponics, serving as the bridge that connects the fish waste to the plant fertilizer. This biological engine removes toxic wastes by transforming them into accessible plant nutrients. Chapter 2 discussed the nitrogen cycle, especially the critical role of nitrifying bacteria, and outlined the essential parameters for maintaining a healthy colony. Chapter 4 discussed the aspects of biofilter materials that host these same bacteria.

This brief chapter serves as a review of the bacteria, including details of the important bacterial groups. Heterotrophic bacterial activity is more fully discussed in terms of its role in the mineralization of solid fish waste. Unwanted bacteria are discussed, including: denitrifying bacteria, sulphate-reducing bacteria and pathogens. Finally, the timeline of bacterial cycling is discussed in regard to the establishment of a new aquaponic system.