Questions of Food Safety in the Aquaponics Systems

Abstract

Throughout human history Earth’s natural resources and their carrying capacity have been closely linked to different human cultures, their development and their limitations. Due to the demographic explosion from the beginning of the 20th century, the earth’s population today exceeds 7.3 billion. Mankind has taken the use of the resources from its environment to a new level which exceeds since the 1970’s what the planet can sustainably provide within a year. Rising environmental and human health concerns and growing demand for different use of production set new challenges for agriculture and food production. Aquaponics systems are giving a new perspective for both rural and urban gardeners to increase their production with the use of zero soil and integrate aquaculture (fish farm) and hydroponics. However, food safety issues are rising when people grow plants with the presence of fish culture. This study has been made to answer basic food safety questions valid in the aquaponics production.