Metagenomic characterization of microbial community in aquaponics during system development

Aquaponics is an alternative food production system that can play an important role in tackling global challenges such as water scarcity, food security, urban footprint, and reductions in energy use and food miles. This technology are a subtype of Recirculating Aquaculture System that allows integration of aquaculture and hydroponics through close recirculating system. The microorganisms have a key role in development and maintenance of the aquaponics’ ecosystem. They are the responsible to integrated aquaculture and hydroponics by transforming the aquatic species feces (that are toxic for themselves) into soluble nutrients easily assimilated by plants and thereby reducing the nitrogen compounds on the aquatic media. The knowledge of microbial community characterization allows their possible future control and optimizing in aquaponics.