Lemna minor effectively reduces ammonia in budikdamber systems, boosting catfish growth and supporting sustainable food security.
Category: Resource Management · Effect: Strong effect · Year: 2026
Integrating Lemna minor into budikdamber systems significantly lowers ammonia levels, leading to improved water quality and enhanced fish growth, thereby contributing to sustainable aquaculture practices.
Design Takeaway
Incorporate phytoremediation using aquatic plants like Lemna minor into the design of small-scale aquaculture systems to naturally manage ammonia and enhance fish health.
Why It Matters
This research demonstrates a practical, eco-friendly method for managing waste in small-scale aquaculture. By utilizing a natural phytoremediator, designers can develop more sustainable and efficient systems for food production, reducing reliance on chemical treatments and improving overall system health.
Key Finding
Adding duckweed (Lemna minor) to fish-in-buckets systems dramatically cut down harmful ammonia levels, resulting in healthier fish that grew larger, and contributing to sustainable food production goals.
Key Findings
- Lemna minor significantly reduced ammonia levels compared to the control group.
- The lowest ammonia level achieved was 0.72 mg/L on day 7 with Lemna minor.
- Catfish in the Lemna minor treatment showed better growth, with an average weight of 46 grams.
- Lemna minor application supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by strengthening sustainable food security.
Research Evidence
Aim: To investigate the efficacy of Lemna minor as an ammonia phytoremediator in budikdamber systems and its impact on catfish growth and sustainable food security.
Method: Experimental research with comparative analysis.
Procedure: A 21-day experiment was conducted comparing budikdamber systems with and without the addition of Lemna minor. Water quality parameters (ammonia, total nitrogen, pH, temperature, DO) were measured, and catfish growth was assessed. Ammonia and total nitrogen levels were analyzed against water quality standards.
Context: Small-scale aquaculture (budikdamber) in an urban setting.
Design Principle
Integrate biological filtration systems for waste management in aquaculture to improve water quality and promote ecosystem health.
How to Apply
When designing or optimizing aquaculture systems, consider integrating aquatic plants as a primary or supplementary method for ammonia removal. Research optimal plant densities and species for specific water conditions and fish types.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a specific geographical location and may not be directly generalizable to all budikdamber systems or environmental conditions. Long-term effects and optimal Lemna minor densities were not extensively explored.
Student Guide (IB Design Technology)
Simple Explanation: Using duckweed in fish tanks helps clean the water by eating up the fish waste, making the fish grow better and healthier.
Why This Matters: This shows how a simple, natural solution can solve a big problem in fish farming, making it more sustainable and productive, which is important for food production.
Critical Thinking: How might the efficiency of Lemna minor as an ammonia phytoremediator vary with different water temperatures, pH levels, or nutrient concentrations, and how could a designer account for these variations?
IA-Ready Paragraph: The study by Nursheila et al. (2026) demonstrated that incorporating Lemna minor into budikdamber systems significantly reduced ammonia levels and improved catfish growth. This highlights the potential of phytoremediation as a sustainable design strategy for aquaculture, offering a natural and effective method for waste management and enhanced productivity.
Project Tips
- When designing an aquaculture system, think about how to naturally clean the water.
- Consider using plants that can absorb waste products from the water.
How to Use in IA
- This research can be used to justify the inclusion of phytoremediation in a design project aimed at improving aquaculture sustainability.
Examiner Tips
- Demonstrate an understanding of how biological processes can be integrated into design solutions for environmental challenges.
Independent Variable: Presence or absence of Lemna minor.
Dependent Variable: Ammonia levels, total nitrogen levels, catfish growth (average weight).
Controlled Variables: Budikdamber system setup, fish food type and quantity, duration of experiment, initial water parameters (pH, temperature, DO).
Strengths
- Directly addresses a practical problem in small-scale aquaculture.
- Provides quantitative data on ammonia reduction and fish growth.
- Connects the design solution to broader sustainable development goals.
Critical Questions
- What are the potential downsides or unintended consequences of introducing Lemna minor into a closed aquaculture system?
- How scalable is this solution for larger commercial aquaculture operations?
Extended Essay Application
- An Extended Essay could explore the optimal design parameters for integrating phytoremediation into various aquaculture setups, considering factors like plant density, flow rates, and species selection for different environments.
Source
Utilization of Lemna minor as an Ammonia Phytoremediator at Kampoeng Pintar Oase Surabaya · Journal of Community Service and Empowerment · 2026 · 10.22219/jcse.v7i1.43566