INGENIEUR
INGENIEUR
The success of BAEGROW serves as a model for similar initiatives , highlighting the potential of hydroponic systems and renewable energy solutions to enhance urban agriculture and promote sustainability .
Modification of Water Treatment System and Aquaponics Integration at Fishlegs Farm
This knowledge transfer programme was held on January 6 and 7 , 2024 , at Fishlegs Farm in Batu Pahat , Johor , as part of the EAB 4947 Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering Design Project course . There were 11 participants in the programme , which was funded under the Knowledge Transfer Grant Scheme ( KTGS ) @ PTJ , UPM .
The programme focused on the modification of the water treatment system and aquaponics installation . The system had been fabricated a few weeks earlier at the Faculty of Engineering , UPM and installed at the farm . During this session , students meticulously inspected the system for potential issues post-installation , such as leaks , water pressure inconsistencies , and water flow rates . Inspection ensured that the system was functioning optimally before being fully operational . The water treatment process was modified to utilise fly ash , a natural carbon source , and a sponge instead of charcoal and lime . It was observed that the system successfully neutralised the pH of the ditch water used for the fish farm , raising it from pH 4 to pH 6.8 . This outcome indicated that the system effectively addressed the primary issue faced by Fishlegs Farm , which was the presence of acidic water sources . The successful neutralisation of water pH was a significant milestone , demonstrating the system ’ s efficacy and potential for broader application in the aquaculture industry . In addition , the aquaponic system was installed on the farm utilising the recirculating aquaculture system concept .
On the second day , activities commenced with a pre-programme survey for the participants to assess their current knowledge of water treatment and aquaponic systems . A brief sharing session about the aquaponic system installed and the modification of the water treatment system on Day One ( see Figure 5 ) was also conducted . During this
Figure 5 .: Brief sharing session about the aquaponic system installed and modification of the water treatment system
session , the design and operational mechanisms of the system were explained to the community . This initiative aimed to empower the community with practical knowledge that could be applied to their aquaculture practices .
The programme continued with an insightful expert talk by Dr . Muhamad Saufi Mohd Kassim . He shared detailed insights about his aquaponic system , including its design and operational mechanisms . The session introduced new ideas and inspired the community to consider developing their systems , fostering a spirit of innovation and adaptation . The next session featured a sharing session by members of the community , where they discussed their experiences and challenges with their aquaculture businesses .
Figure 6 : The programme ended with a photoshoot of participants and lecturers .
Solar Drying Racks for Sustainable Fish Feed Production for Fish Farmers
This project aims to utilise water hyacinth and giant salvinia as alternative sources of additional feed for aquaculture farming and to utilise a selfconstructed multi-layer solar pellet drying system .
70 VOL 99 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2024