May / June, 2004
2004 Biosystems Engineering Design Projects
Educational Aquaponics
Paul Forton (left) and Jodi Lindgren behind hydroponicly grown lettuce |
The team designed and constructed a small-scale aquaponics system for use in a secondary educational setting. The system melds the practices of aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soil-less plant production) into a science problem that includes physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and sustainable agriculture. Creation of a sustainable system included development and optimization of a biofilter to convert the harmful fish waste (ammonia) into an available form (nitrate) through nitrification.
High school students can construct this compact recycled water system from readily available inexpensive items. Once operating, they can observe the balanced mutual relationship between the fish and plants.
Andy Kaye (right) explains team design to Erin Henderson (left) |
Team of Andy Kaye (left), Paul Forton ( right) and Pete Wyckoff (far right ) explain project to many interested visitors |
Plastic bottle tops are part of filtering systems |
Advisors: Dr. Robert von Bernuth, P.E.
Dr. Donald Garling, Fisheries & Wildlife
Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering
Michigan State University
A.W. Farrall Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1323
(517) 355-4720
Questions or comments contact: webmaster
Past Newsletters | BAE Home | MSU Home
June 3, 2004
