Comparative socioeconomic, environmental and technical analysis of conventional versus smart sustainable integrated multi-trophic aquaponics systems – Nature

Economic and Environmental Feasibility Report on Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaponics (IMTA) Systems

Executive Summary

This report evaluates the economic feasibility and environmental sustainability of a small-scale, solar-powered Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)-aquaponic system, contextualized within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study compares biomass yields, operational costs, and financial metrics of an AI-enhanced IMTA-aquaponics system against traditional hydroponic and soil-based agriculture in Egypt. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to analyze environmental and social impacts. The findings indicate that smart IMTA-aquaponics is a highly profitable and resilient agricultural model. It presents a sustainable solution to global challenges, directly contributing to several SDGs, including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The system demonstrates significant potential for creating entrepreneurial opportunities for youth in developing nations, achieving faster break-even points and greater market resilience than conventional farming, thereby reinforcing its role as a scalable model for sustainable global food production.

1.0 Introduction: Aligning Aquaculture with Sustainable Development Goals

The global food system faces unprecedented pressure from population growth, resource scarcity, and climate change, necessitating innovative solutions that align with the Sustainable Development Goals. Aquaculture, the world’s fastest-expanding food sector, is critical for achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) but requires sustainable practices to mitigate its environmental footprint. This report examines Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)-aquaponics as a transformative approach to food production.

1.1 The Role of Renewable Energy in Sustainable Aquaculture

The integration of solar energy into aquaculture is a strategic step towards achieving SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, solar-powered systems lower operational costs and decrease carbon emissions. This transition supports the development of resilient, eco-friendly food systems, particularly in energy-vulnerable regions, and is a key component of the blue transformation advocated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

1.2 IMTA-Aquaponics: A Solution for Resource Efficiency

IMTA-aquaponics creates a symbiotic ecosystem that optimizes resource use, directly addressing multiple SDGs:

• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): The system recycles over 90% of water, making it a vital technology for water-scarce regions like Egypt.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): By converting waste from one trophic level into nutrients for another, the system embodies circular economy principles, minimizing waste and pollution.
• SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Reduced nutrient discharge mitigates eutrophication and protects local aquatic ecosystems.

1.3 Context: The Egyptian Case Study

Egypt, a major aquaculture producer, faces significant water scarcity and food security challenges. Traditional agriculture is constrained by limited freshwater from the Nile River and the impacts of climate change. IMTA-aquaponics offers a viable alternative that conserves water, reuses nutrients, and enhances food production in a small footprint, aligning with Egypt’s national goal of increasing aquaculture production to 2.5 million tons by 2030 and contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating green jobs.

2.0 Methodology: Assessing Sustainability and Financial Viability

This study employed a multi-faceted approach to evaluate the performance of a smart IMTA-aquaponic system against conventional methods. The methodology was designed to quantify contributions to economic, social, and environmental sustainability targets outlined in the SDGs.

2.1 Experimental System Design

The research was conducted over two 180-day cycles at the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF) in Egypt. The experimental setup included:

1. Smart IMTA-Aquaponics System: An integrated system cultivating multiple aquatic species and hydroponic vegetables, powered by a 7 kW solar energy system to promote SDG 7. It featured IoT-based sensors for real-time water quality monitoring, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
2. Conventional IMTA-Aquaponics System: The same physical setup but without smart monitoring and automation.
3. Traditional Soil Culture (TSC): A soil-based control system representing conventional agriculture.

2.2 Financial Feasibility Analysis

A customized cost-benefit analysis was conducted to assess the economic viability of each system, a key factor for SDG 8. The analysis included:

• Investment and Operational Costs: Capital expenditures (greenhouse, ponds, solar panels) and variable costs (feed, seeds, labor, energy) were calculated.
• Financial Metrics: Net income, return on equity (ROE), and operating ratio were analyzed to determine profitability.
• Sensitivity Analysis: The model simulated the impact of 10%, 20%, and 30% fluctuations in cash inflow and outflow to assess market resilience.

2.3 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

An LCA was performed to evaluate the environmental performance of each system, providing quantifiable data on progress towards environmental SDGs. Key impact categories assessed included:

• Global Warming Potential (SDG 13): Calculated based on energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.
• Water Use (SDG 6): Measured total water consumption and recycling efficiency.
• Land Use (SDG 2 & SDG 15): Assessed the land footprint required per unit of production.
• Nutrient Discharge (SDG 14): Evaluated the potential for eutrophication from effluent.

The assessment also included social impacts, such as the potential for skilled job creation and enhanced food security, linking the technology to SDG 8 and SDG 2.

3.0 Results: Quantifying the Sustainability Benefits

The study’s findings demonstrate the superior performance of the smart IMTA-aquaponics system across economic, productivity, and environmental metrics, highlighting its capacity to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs.

3.1 Enhanced Food Production and Resource Efficiency

The smart IMTA system significantly outperformed conventional methods, contributing directly to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger):

• Aquatic Biomass: The smart system produced 999.49 kg of aquatic biomass, a 57% increase compared to the 636.42 kg from the conventional system.
• Vegetable Yield: Smart IMTA systems yielded up to 1554.95 kg of vegetables, compared to a maximum of 844.32 kg in conventional systems.
• Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): The smart IMTA system achieved a system-wide FCR of 0.70, demonstrating exceptional resource efficiency in line with SDG 12.

3.2 Economic Performance and Viability

The financial analysis confirms the economic advantages of smart IMTA-aquaponics, supporting its potential to drive SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):

• Profitability: The smart IMTA-Floating Raft System (FRS) generated the highest net income and a Return on Equity (ROE) of 47%, compared to 19% for the TSC system.
• Cost Efficiency: Solar energy integration reduced the levelized cost of energy to $0.003 per kWh, compared to $2.06 per kWh for grid electricity, advancing SDG 7.
• Market Resilience: Sensitivity analysis showed that the smart IMTA-FRS maintained positive net cash flow even with a 30% increase in operational costs, indicating strong financial robustness.

3.3 Environmental Impact Reduction (LCA Findings)

The LCA results underscore the system’s significant environmental benefits:

1. Energy and Emissions (SDG 7 & SDG 13): The solar-powered IMTA systems consumed 1800 kWh/year, compared to 3115 kWh/year for the grid-powered TSC system. This resulted in an 80% reduction in CO₂ emissions.
2. Water Conservation (SDG 6): The IMTA systems recycled over 90% of water, drastically reducing consumption compared to open-irrigation TSC.
3. Responsible Production (SDG 12): The IMTA systems eliminated the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, promoting organic production practices.

4.0 Discussion: A Pathway to Sustainable Food Systems

The results confirm that smart IMTA-aquaponics is a technologically advanced, economically viable, and environmentally sound solution for modern agriculture. Its adoption can significantly contribute to achieving a circular bioeconomy and meeting global sustainability targets.

4.1 Techno-Economic Feasibility and Alignment with SDGs

The superior productivity and profitability of the smart IMTA-FRS model demonstrate its potential for commercial scaling. By diversifying income streams from fish and plants, the system enhances economic stability for farmers, a key component of SDG 8. The integration of smart technologies (IoT, AI) not only optimizes production but also fosters innovation in agriculture (SDG 9), creating demand for skilled labor.

4.2 The Critical Role of Solar Energy for Climate Action

The integration of solar power is fundamental to the system’s sustainability. It ensures energy independence, reduces operational costs, and minimizes the carbon footprint, making the system a powerful tool for climate change mitigation (SDG 13). With solar module prices declining, the financial barrier to adoption is lowering, making solar-powered aquaculture an increasingly accessible solution for achieving SDG 7.

4.3 Socioeconomic Implications and Scalability

IMTA-aquaponics offers significant social benefits. It enhances food security (SDG 2), creates green jobs, and provides entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly for youth and women in rural and arid regions (SDG 8). The system’s modularity allows for scalability, from small-scale community projects to large commercial operations. However, widespread adoption requires supportive policies, including:

• Financial incentives for renewable energy and smart technology adoption.
• Training programs to build technical capacity.
• Support for market access, including organic certification.

5.0 Conclusion and Recommendations

This report concludes that smart, solar-powered IMTA-aquaponics is a superior agricultural model that is economically profitable, environmentally sustainable, and socially beneficial. The IMTA-FRS configuration, enhanced with AI and solar power, demonstrated the highest economic efficiency and resilience to market fluctuations.

The system offers a tangible pathway to address interconnected global challenges by directly supporting multiple Sustainable Development Goals. It enhances food security (SDG 2), promotes efficient water management (SDG 6), utilizes clean energy (SDG 7), fosters economic growth (SDG 8), encourages responsible production (SDG 12), and contributes to climate action (SDG 13).

Strategic Recommendations

1. Policy Support: Governments should implement policies that incentivize the adoption of IMTA-aquaponics, including subsidies for solar technology and smart systems, and streamline regulations for sustainable aquaculture.
2. Capacity Building: Investment in training and education is crucial to equip farmers and entrepreneurs with the technical skills needed to manage these advanced systems.
3. Research and Development: Continued research is needed to optimize species combinations, develop low-cost alternative feeds, and adapt the system to diverse climatic and market conditions.
4. Market Alignment: Producers should leverage decision support systems to align production cycles with market demand, targeting high-value and export markets to maximize profitability.

By implementing these strategies, IMTA-aquaponics can be scaled globally, transforming it from a promising innovation into a cornerstone of a resilient and sustainable global food future.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   The article directly addresses food security and sustainable agriculture. It explores innovative food production systems like Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)-aquaponics as a solution to meet the food demands of a rising global population. Specific phrases like “aquaculture is becoming increasingly vital to the world economy and food security” and the goal to “produce massive amounts of food in a sustainable manner” clearly link the research to SDG 2.

2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   A central theme of the article is water management. It highlights the problem of “water scarcity” in Egypt and presents IMTA-aquaponics as a solution that optimizes “water reuse” and improves “water efficiency.” The system’s design, which recycles 90% of its water and reduces the “water footprint” of agriculture, directly connects to the goals of sustainable water management.

3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   The study emphasizes the use of solar energy to power the aquaponics systems. The article states that “Solar energy is increasingly recognized as a sustainable solution for powering aquaculture operations, aligning with global goals for decarbonization and energy efficiency.” By integrating solar panels, the system reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers the levelized cost of energy, contributing to the adoption of clean energy.

4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   The economic feasibility analysis is a core component of the study. The article evaluates the profitability, net income, and return on equity of the proposed systems. It also points out that these systems offer “youth in developing nations entrepreneurial opportunities,” thereby promoting sustainable economic growth and productive employment.

5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   The article focuses on a technologically advanced and innovative agricultural system. The integration of “smart sensors and automation,” AI-powered decision support, and IoT-based monitoring represents an upgrade to traditional agricultural infrastructure. This focus on “innovative IMTA systems” and scaling up sustainable models aligns with fostering innovation and building resilient infrastructure.

6. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   The IMTA-aquaponics system is designed around principles of a circular economy. It operates on a “waste-to-feed principle,” where byproducts from one species serve as nutrients for another. This “nutrient recycling,” reduction of external feed inputs, and minimization of waste discharge are prime examples of sustainable production patterns.

7. SDG 13: Climate Action

   The article positions the IMTA-aquaponics system as a response to global challenges, including “climate change.” By using renewable energy, the system helps reduce “carbon footprints.” Furthermore, its resilience against external challenges like “extreme weather” and its contribution to climate-resilient food production directly address climate action.

8. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   Although the study focuses on land-based aquaculture, its principles contribute to the health of aquatic ecosystems. By creating a closed-loop system that minimizes “harmful waste discharge” and reduces “eutrophication,” it helps prevent land-based pollution from entering natural water bodies. This supports the sustainable management of marine and freshwater ecosystems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  • Target 2.4: “By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality.”
    
    Explanation: The article’s focus on IMTA-aquaponics as a resilient, highly productive system that is adaptable to arid, resource-scarce regions and climate change directly aligns with this target.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  • Target 6.3: “By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.”
    
    Explanation: The system’s design, which recycles nutrients and minimizes waste discharge, directly contributes to reducing water pollution from aquaculture.
  • Target 6.4: “By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.”
    
    Explanation: The article explicitly states that the IMTA systems “recycle 90% of their water, drastically reducing consumption” and are designed as a solution for “water-scarce areas” like Egypt.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  • Target 7.2: “By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.”
    
    Explanation: The study’s integration and cost-benefit analysis of a “3-kW solar energy system” to power pumps and air blowers is a direct application of renewable energy in agriculture, contributing to this target.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  • Target 8.2: “Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors.”
    
    Explanation: The article demonstrates how technological upgrades (smart systems) and innovation (IMTA-aquaponics) lead to higher productivity and profitability, fostering economic growth.
  • Target 8.4: “Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation…”
    
    Explanation: The IMTA system’s high resource efficiency (water, nutrients, energy) and lower environmental impact, while being economically profitable, exemplifies the decoupling of economic growth from environmental degradation.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  • Target 9.4: “By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes…”
    
    Explanation: The article proposes retrofitting traditional aquaculture with clean technologies like solar power and smart monitoring systems to improve resource efficiency (water, energy, feed) and reduce environmental impact.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Target 12.2: “By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.”
    
    Explanation: The entire concept of IMTA-aquaponics is based on the efficient use of natural resources, particularly water and nutrients, through a closed-loop recycling system.
  • Target 12.5: “By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.”
    
    Explanation: The system’s design, where “byproducts from one species (e.g., fish waste) serve as nutrients for another,” is a direct application of waste recycling and reuse to create value.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.1: “Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.”
    
    Explanation: The article highlights that aquaculture in controlled environments enhances “resilience against external challenges,” including climate change, making it a climate-resilient food production alternative.

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  • Target 14.2: “By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts… and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.”
    
    Explanation: By reducing nutrient-rich effluent and pollution from land-based aquaculture, the IMTA system helps mitigate one of the key stressors on coastal and freshwater ecosystems (eutrophication), thereby contributing to their protection.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides numerous quantitative and financial metrics that can serve as indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets.

1. Productivity and Food Security Indicators (SDG 2)

   • Biomass Yield (kg): The article measures the total production of aquatic animals (e.g., 999.49 kg in the smart system) and vegetables (e.g., 1554.95 kg in IMTA-FRS) per cycle. This directly indicates food production capacity.
   • Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): The study reports FCR values (e.g., 0.70 for smart IMTA-FRS), which measures the efficiency of converting feed into biomass, a key indicator of agricultural sustainability.

2. Water Efficiency Indicators (SDG 6)

   • Water Recycling Rate (%): The article states that the IMTA systems “recycle 90% of their water,” a direct measure of water-use efficiency.
   • Water Consumption (m³): Table 14 lists water use per system (e.g., 150 m³ for IMTA-NFT vs. 250 m³ for TSC), providing a clear metric for comparing water efficiency.

3. Clean Energy Indicators (SDG 7)

   • Energy Consumption (kWh/year): The study quantifies energy use, showing IMTA systems use 1800 kWh/year from solar compared to TSC’s 3115 kWh/year from the grid.
   • Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE, $/kWh): The article calculates the LCOE for solar power ($0.003/kWh) versus traditional electricity ($2.06/kWh), indicating the affordability of the clean energy source used.

4. Economic Performance Indicators (SDG 8)

   • Net Income ($): Calculated as Gross Income minus costs, this is a primary indicator of economic viability.
   • Return on Equity (ROE %): The article uses ROE (e.g., 47% for smart IMTA-FRS) to measure the profitability relative to the investment.
   • Operating Ratio and Revenue to Cost Ratio: These financial metrics are used to assess the economic efficiency and sustainability of the business model.

5. Environmental Impact Indicators (SDGs 9, 12, 13, 14)

   • Carbon Dioxide Emissions (kg CO₂e): Table 14 quantifies CO₂ emissions per system (e.g., 900 kg for IMTA-NFT), directly measuring the carbon footprint.
   • Land Use (m²): The study compares the land area required for each system (e.g., 50 m² for IMTA-NFT vs. 100 m² for TSC), indicating land-use efficiency.
   • Chemical Use: The article notes that IMTA systems “eliminate chemical use through organic practices, whereas TSC relies on pesticides and fertilizers,” a qualitative but critical indicator of environmental impact.
   • Nutrient Recovery/Recycling Efficiency: While not given a specific percentage, the concept of nutrient recovery is central to the LCA, where it is calculated as “Reduced eutrophication due to plants absorbing N/P.” This is an indicator of pollution reduction.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nature.com