
Certainly, aquaponic growing methods have many positive benefits and outcomes. First, they are environmentally responsible. Second, they require little or no chemical usage. Third, they require less physical space in comparison to traditional agriculture. Therefore, it is easy to see there are many benefits of this growing system. However, there are also downsides. For example, aquaponic parasites are one such downside.
One such negative aspect is the risk of parasites that can affect humans. For example, liver flukes. Liver flukes are an uncommon, yet present danger in aquaponic agriculture.
Aquaponic Parasites: WHAT IS THE LIVER FLUKE?
THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE LIVER FLUKE
The life cycle of the liver fluke involves many parts. First, mammals are needed as hosts. Second, a water supply is a need for the parasite to thrive. Third, aquatic plants must be available for the parasites to grow on. Finally, snails must be present for the parasites to develop inside. Overall, liver flukes require two or more different hosts and have a free-living larval stage in water.
The liver fluke life cycle is complex. First, it infects the plants that are eaten by the fish. The fish eat the plants. Next, the liver fluke lays eggs inside of the fish. Finally, the eggs are released through the fish’s feces and onto the snails.
During its life cycle, liver fluke must develop in a particular type of small snails for 2-3 months. Next, they pass from the snail to the definitive host. So, it’s best not to add snails to aquaponic systems for algae control. Overall, doing so can increase the risk of contracting liver flukes. Basically, it’s recommended to always keep the water clean and free from snails.
PREVENTING LIVER FLUKES
Other Recent Posts:
What Is Habitat Conservation
WHAT IS HABITAT CONSERVATION? Habitat conservation means protecting the places where things on earth live. A habitat is a place where a certain animal, plant, or other living thing lives. These places are [...]
What Is Sick Building Syndrome?
WHAT IS SICK BUILDING SYNDROME? Sick building syndrome is a term that describes a wide range of undefined symptoms that people have when they live in a building. It is mostly because of [...]
What Is Hydrology?
WHAT IS HYDROLOGY? Hydrology is the study of water from a scientific standpoint. It includes the study of water's occurrence, properties, circulation, and distribution on, beneath, and above the earth's surface. Hydrologists are [...]
What Is Ocean Acidification?
WHAT IS OCEAN ACIDIFICATION? Ocean acidification is the process by which the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus decreasing the ocean’s pH. The ocean absorbs up to one-third of the carbon [...]
What Is the Wildlife Trade?
WHAT IS THE WILDLIFE TRADE? It is called the "wildlife trade" when people trade and sell living or dead wild animals and plants. This practice has a direct effect on biodiversity and also [...]
Why Are Coral Reefs Important?
Why Are Coral Reefs Important? At first look, you may think you’re looking at a lump of colorful rocks. But, these are not rocks. These eye-catching figures are coral reefs! Found in oceans [...]
Ocean Dead Zones
Ocean Dead Zones The ocean is an important part of our ecosystem. It produces most of the oxygen we breathe. It’s also very important for our economy, providing food for many people around [...]
Walking for Fitness
Walking is an excellent way to stay fit and healthy. In fact, walking has been proven to be one of the best ways to lose weight because it burns calories. It also helps [...]
What’s Avian Flu?
What is Avian Flu? Avian flu, also known as avian influenza or bird flu, is a viral disease that primarily affects birds. The virus can be transmitted between different species of birds, but [...]
What is Carbon Absorption
What is Carbon Absorption? Carbon absorption, or carbon sequestration, is the capture and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. This process occurs naturally through photosynthesis in plants and algae, which absorb [...]
Have a Topic Suggestion ? We are Open to New Ideas!