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Is aquaponics good for the environment?—evaluation of environmental impact through life cycle assessment studies on aquaponics systems

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Abstract

Aquaponics is often presented as a sustainable food production system that can reduce environmental costs of global food production; yet, its actual environmental effects are understudied. The aim of this research was to review the limited number of life cycle assessment studies dealing with aquaponics, and to highlight environmental cost and benefit of this practice. Our assessment highlights some of the problems, challenges, and advantages of aquaponics as a valuable food production system. We propose guidelines for future life cycle assessments of aquaponics that will facilitate policy and decision-making for farmers with respect to aquaponics.

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Funding

This work was supported by an advanced studies scholarship from the University of Haifa.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Maritime Civilizations, Charney School of Marine Science, University of Haifa, 199 Abba Khoushy Blvd, Mount Carmel, 3498838, Haifa, Israel

    Asael Greenfeld & Dror L. Angel

  2. Department of Economics and Management, Tel-Hai College, 12210, Upper Galilee, Israel

    Asael Greenfeld & Nir Becker

  3. Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, South St, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia

    Janet F. Bornman

  4. Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003, Haifa, Israel

    Sabrina Spatari

Authors
  1. Asael Greenfeld
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  2. Nir Becker
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  3. Janet F. Bornman
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  4. Sabrina Spatari
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  5. Dror L. Angel
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Dror L. Angel.

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Greenfeld, A., Becker, N., Bornman, J.F. et al. Is aquaponics good for the environment?—evaluation of environmental impact through life cycle assessment studies on aquaponics systems. Aquacult Int 30, 305–322 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-021-00800-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-021-00800-8

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