Development of an automated portable aquaponic system and assessment of LED lighting impact on Mentha piperita L.

The growing global population and increasing food demand require innovative agricultural techniques that enhance yield per unit area. Compounded by climate change and shrinking arable land, sustainable and efficient food production methods are essential. In this context, a digital prototype of a portable aquaponic farming system was developed to evaluate the effectiveness of LED-supported and non-LED-supported growth platforms. The experiment involved peppermint plants ( Mentha piperita L.) and Tilapia fish ( Oreochromis niloticus ) in a closed-loop aquaponic system. In the LED-supported platform, red (660 nm) and blue (450 nm) LEDs were used for 4 hours daily in addition to natural sunlight, while the non-LED platform relied solely on sunlight. Daily monitoring included water quality (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, temperature), water consumption, fish growth, and plant development. Plant performance was assessed by chlorophyll content index (CCI), color values (L*, a*, b*), fresh and dry weights, and stomatal conductance, measured at day 0 th , day 20 th , and day 40 th . Results showed the LED-supported system significantly enhanced plant growth and quality. Chlorophyll content increased by 29% (27.175 vs. 21.00), fresh weight by 14% (1.871 g), and dry weight by 30% (0.270 g). Plants under LED light also had higher brightness (L*: 48.716), deeper green (a*: -9.155), and more intense yellow (b*: 23.395) compared to the non-LED group. In conclusion, LED-supported aquaponic systems effectively improve peppermint growth and visual quality, highlighting their potential in sustainable agricultural production.