Automated Water Quality Monitoring for Aquaponics Applied to Vertical Farming
Authors: Cyd Laurence B. Santos, Louis Angelica M. Villarin, Mica Margarette N. Ducusin, Carmina Louden P. Sanchez, Shiella Marie P. Garcia , and April R. Mundo
Abstract
Aquaponics is the process of growing plants and fish together in one system. The system mainly relies on the biotic relationship between fish and bacteria. Fish raised in aquaponics requires good water quality conditions as it is a major factor for the optimal growth of the fishes. However, in the current aquaponics implementation in the Philippines, the water quality parameters of the aquaponics are not monitored and controlled which affects the growth of fishes. This study focused on the development of a device that automatically monitors and controls the water quality parameters of aquaponics in application for vertical farming. The design of the device is based on the ideal water quality parameters suitable for growing tilapia such as ammonia, dissolved oxygen, pH level, temperature and turbidity. The device is capable of monitoring and measuring when one of the water quality parameters is not within its ideal value. Corresponding response will be made by the device to control and maintain the water quality parameters into its ideal value. The device was tested based on its accuracy and reliability. The tests shows that the pH level temperature sensors are 98.42% and 97.07% accurate, respectively. The test results also indicate that the water and pH level sensor of the device are 100% reliable as it functioned based on its expected output.