Utilization of the Different Vegetables as a Filtration plants on Water Quality, Growth Performance, Plasma Biochemistry and Histopathology of Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in Incorporated Aquaponics System

Abstract

Abstract Aquatic organism biology is influenced by water physicochemical traits. Using recirculating aquaculture systems for optimal fish growth demands substantial energy and resources, while typical treatments pose cost challenges. To address this, a novel cost-effective water treatment method is sought, countering climate-related water scarcity, particularly in regions like the Middle East. Incorporating mechanical and biological filters, alongside plant-based filtration (strawberry, peppermint, cucumber, okra), enhances aquaponics efficiency. Fish acclimatized and distributed among treatments exhibited varying growth patterns and water quality impacts. The fish exposed to treatment groups involving strawberry, peppermint, cucumber, and okra exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) weight gain and specific growth rate compared to the control. However, even within the treatments okra and cucumber body weight gain and specific growth rate were significantly better than strawberry, peppermint (p < 0.05). The best lowest feed conversion ratio was equally observed among fish exposed okra and cucumber. Remarkably, the strawberry group demonstrated a markedly higher level of albumin and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p < 0.05). However, strawberry exhibited a significantly higher (p < 0.05) level of albumin and AST. Though Peppermint exhibited the highest alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, although this difference was not statistically significant when compared to the strawberry group. Liver and gill analyses demonstrated normal cellular structures and healthy conditions for fish exposed to biofilters. This study underscores the efficacy of strawberry, peppermint, cucumber, and okra biofilters in promoting robust carp growth and health within aquaculture systems.