Publicação
Aquaponics as a Novel and Alternative Food Production System: Integrating Health and Environmental Sustainability Perspectives
| datacite.subject.sdg | 02:Erradicar a Fome | |
| datacite.subject.sdg | 03:Saúde de Qualidade | |
| datacite.subject.sdg | 12:Produção e Consumo Sustentáveis | |
| dc.contributor.author | Assunção, Ricardo | |
| dc.contributor.author | Motta, Carla | |
| dc.contributor.author | Santos, Mariana | |
| dc.contributor.author | Batista, Rita | |
| dc.contributor.author | Albuquerque, Tânia | |
| dc.contributor.author | Bento, Alexandra | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-02-10T10:21:54Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-02-10T10:21:54Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-11-17 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Aim: In an era marked by climate change, environmental resource depletion, and growing global population, the need for sustainable and resilient food systems has become increasingly urgent. Conventional food production systems contribute significantly to environmental degradation and inefficient resource use. In response, key international strategies emphasize the development of innovative solutions that foster circular economies and ensure access to nutritious and sustainable diets. Aquaponics, a closed-loop system that combines aquaculture and hydroponics, has emerged as a promising alternative, known for its efficient resource use and potential to produce nutrient-dense foods. This study aims to explore and critically assess the health and environmental sustainability impacts of aquaponically produced foods compared to conventional food systems. Method: A structured literature review and critical evaluation of peer-reviewed studies were conducted to identify key health and environmental sustainability indicators associated with aquaponic food production. Health-related factors included the presence of nutrients and potential contaminants (chemical and microbiological), while environmental assessment focused on Life Cycle indicators such as global warming potential, eutrophication, water footprint, land use, acidification, and ecotoxicological impact. Studies were selected based on comparability to conventional food production systems. Results: The obtained results indicated that aquaponic systems can produce foods with comparable or enhanced nutritional profiles relative to conventional systems. On the environmental side, aquaponics demonstrated reduced water use, land requirements, and nutrient discharge, though energy use and system complexity vary depending on design and operational parameters. Life Cycle indicators highlighted significant reductions in eutrophication and land use impacts, particularly when fish and plants are optimally integrated. Conclusion: Aquaponics presents a viable and innovative approach to future food production, offering measurable health and environmental benefits compared to traditional systems. However, broader adoption will require further research to provide evidence-based integration into food policy frameworks. These findings support the potential of aquaponics as a sustainable alternative aligned with the food system transformation goals. | eng |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/10878 | |
| dc.language.iso | eng | |
| dc.peerreviewed | yes | |
| dc.rights.uri | N/A | |
| dc.subject | Aquaponics | |
| dc.subject | Sustainability | |
| dc.subject | Food Systems | |
| dc.subject | Avaliação do Risco | |
| dc.subject | Segurança Alimentar | |
| dc.subject | Nutrição Aplicada | |
| dc.subject | Sustentabilidade Alimentar | |
| dc.subject | Avaliação do Risco-Benefício | |
| dc.title | Aquaponics as a Novel and Alternative Food Production System: Integrating Health and Environmental Sustainability Perspectives | eng |
| dc.type | conference object | |
| dspace.entity.type | Publication | |
| oaire.citation.conferenceDate | 2025-11-17 | |
| oaire.citation.conferencePlace | Porto, Portugal | |
| oaire.citation.title | 39th EFFoST International Conference. 17-19 November 2025 | |
| oaire.version | http://purl.org/coar/version/c_970fb48d4fbd8a85 |