The effect of pH on phosphorus availability and speciation in an aquaponics nutrient solution

Brunno da Silva Cerozi, Kevin Fitzsimmons

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

191 Scopus citations

Abstract

The interaction between the main ions in aquaponics nutrient solutions affects chemical composition and availability of nutrients, and nutrient uptake by plant roots. This study determined the effect of pH on phosphorus (P) speciation and availability in an aquaponics nutrient solution and used Visual MINTEQ to simulate P species and P activity. In both experimental and simulated results, P availability decreased with increase in pH of aquaponics nutrient solutions. According to simulations, P binds to several cations leaving less free phosphate ions available in solution. High pH values resulted in the formation of insoluble calcium phosphate species. The study also demonstrated the importance of organic matter and alkalinity in keeping free phosphate ions in solution at high pH ranges. It is recommended though that pH in aquaponics systems is maintained at a 5.5–7.2 range for optimal availability and uptake by plants.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)778-781
Number of pages4
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume219
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2016

Keywords

  • Aquaponics
  • Availability
  • Phosphorus
  • Speciation
  • pH

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Waste Management and Disposal

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