Hydroponic-Aquaponic Food Production System for the Mars Desert Research Station

16 Pages·2017·1.4 MB·English

Hydroponic-Aquaponic
Food Production System
for the Mars Desert
Research Station
Peter B. Merkle, Ph.D., P.E. Associate Professor
Constanza C. Cuneo, BSCE, M. ASCE
Matthew A. Maccarrrone, M. ASCE
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Department of Civil Engineering
Daytona Beach, FL
Acknowledgments of Support
ERAU Department of Civil Engineering
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Dr. Ashok Gurjar, Ms. Rosa Criado
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Tag! The Children’s Museum of St. Augustine
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Donors to the MDRS Greenhab Campaign
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Nick Orenstein, Paul Bakken, Don Lusco
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54 growth sites in raft in
aquaponic mode (with fish)
- 190 L of nutrient rich
wastewater for soil crop
irrigation every 2 – 3 days
18 additional growth sites in
tanks if used as hydroponic
system (no fish)
ideal continuous range of 21 -
24 °C via submerged ceramic
heaters
What Are Aquaponics and Hydroponics?
Aquaponics Hydroponics
Combination of recirculating Growing plants rooted in a
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aquaculture and hydroponic nutrient solution.
growing method.
Plants are provided with tailored
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Nutrient-rich water from raising growth conditions with synthetic
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fish provides nutrients for plants.
nutrient solution
Nitrifying aerobic bacteria
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convert NH + to NO -
4 3
Benefits of an Aquaponics/Hydroponics
System
Aquaponic Moringa Oleifera
Fish Tank: 16 to 20 fish per tank
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Harvest in 30 weeks from fry
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stage to filet size
Leafy Vegetable:
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Harvest between 45 to 55 days
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(lettuce, kale)
Nutrient Rich Wastewater
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Irrigate soil-based crop (tubers,
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trees)
Hybrid Aquaponics System at ERAU
Hybrid System for the Mars Desert
Research Station
Design Criteria:
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Design a system that was capable of aquaponics (fish)
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or hydroponics (no fish) while using as many recycled parts
as possible.
System must fit within an 8 ft by 8 ft square
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Ease of assembly and disassembly
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Minimize energy use
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Materials used are nonflammable.
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Reducing Energy Sources
The system is suitable for natural sunlight
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or supplementation by LED plant lights.
Use one pump to provide aeration and
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recirculation of water.
Use ceramic water heaters.
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(cid:88) Frames: Iron and Aluminum
(cid:88) System parts: Recycled from
an existing system.
(cid:88) Piping: Recycled PVC
(cid:88) Air pump donated by tag!
The St. Augustine Children’s
Museum