Revisão sistemática da literatura e meta-análise sobre aquaponia

Abstract

There is an urgent need for in-depth scientific research on aquaponics, particularly with an emphasis on its variations, potential, and characteristics. Therefore, this study sought to systematically and multidisciplinary analyze the main aspects of aquaponics as a system widely used for the production of fish and vegetables. In this context, based on the PRISMA systematic review guidelines, a comprehensive and detailed analysis of 2,025 articles obtained from three major databases was conducted: Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus. Among the main results, it stands out that scientific production involving aquaponics experimentation intensified markedly from 2016 onwards, with the United States being the country with the highest volume of publications, based on the review's time frame. The most frequently used fish species in the studies was tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), while in plant production, lettuce (Lactuca sativa) was the most prominent. The system type with the highest number of citations was "Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)", whose high acceptance rate is likely linked to its intensive capacity to support high stocking densities, low water consumption, and water quality. Regarding production, tilapia showed a higher average weight gain (63.01 g) compared to common carp (45.37 g), in addition to a higher specific growth rate (SGR) (1.58% per day vs. 1.22% per day). Concerning the time to harvest, within the 45 to 56-day period, tilapia exhibited the highest average weight gain (30.53 g), suggesting that favorable initial conditions can boost more efficient productive performance. However, in longer production periods (60 to 75 days), a stabilization in the species' growth was identified. In this sense, the results of this dissertation highlight different relevant aspects of aquaponics, with the potential to guide researchers, encourage technological innovation, and underpin future research projects in the field.