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pH and inoculum effects on microbial communities in bench-scale aquaponics systems
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- Author / Creator
- Derik Vand, Peyman
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Understanding the ecology of microorganisms is essential for optimizing aquaponics systems. Effects of pH and inoculum on ammonium removal and dynamics of microbial community composition from all compartments of lab-scale aquaponics systems were examined. Initial ammonium accumulation in systems with comammox-enriched inocula were 47 and 69% that of systems enriched with ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), with higher rates of ammonium removal and transient nitrite accumulation measured in the latter systems. By the end of operation, Nitrosomonas and Nitrosospira AOB were dominant nitrifiers in systems at pH 7.6-7.8, whereas comammox (Nitrospira) nitrifiers and plant growth-promoting microbes
were abundant in systems operating at pH 5.8-6.0. Lower pH systems supported more robust plant growth with no significant effects on fish health. This study demonstrated functional
redundancy of aquaponics microbiota, with selectivity of nitrifying taxa as a function of pH. Results suggest that inoculum and pH are important considerations for aquaponics system
initiation and optimization. -
- Subjects / Keywords
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- Graduation date
- Fall 2023
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Doctor of Philosophy
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- License
- This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.