Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring System in an Aquaponics Pilot Culture

Water-quality monitoring is critical for maintaining the symbiotic balance and productivity of aquaponic systems. This study presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a remote, real-time monitoring system based on the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm. The system continuously monitors the key parameters of temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and total suspended solids. Utilizing a modular architecture, the platform provides real-time visualization, cloud-based data management, and automated alerts via SMS and e-mail to notify operators of deviations from established tolerance ranges. The system was experimentally validated over a six-month period in a pilot-scale aquaponics system cultivating common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Statistical analysis demonstrated a 97% data acquisition reliability rate. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed between the sensor-based measurements and reference laboratory analyses, confirming the system’s high accuracy. This versatile and cost-effective tool enables data-driven decision-making, facilitates timely interventions to reduce production losses, and ensures the long-term environmental stability of integrated aquaculture systems.