Lethbridge College Aquaponics Centre of Excellence is one of the leading programs in Canada for not only its research but also the technology within the facility. They are always working on new projects such as, the use of bamboo charcoal to filter water for plants.

Zied Khiari, a scientist in Lethbridge College’s aquaponics program says the biochar filters the water for the fish which in turn provide the nutrients for the plants that grow along the surface of the water.

“We take the bamboo and we heat it without oxygen which turns out into carbon mass which is called basically charcoal,” says Khiari.

To acquire the synergy between the plants and the fish the system requires bacteria. The bacteria are essential because they take the waste from the fish and turn it into nutrients for the vegetation according to Khiari.

There are many reasons for the success of Lethbridge College’s aquaponics program. Aquaponics technician Penny Takahashi says they are very lucky to have their leading scientist and project manager Nick Savidov.

“Nick is one of the Fathers of Aquaponics in the world. Usually research has been based in a university but he’s come here which makes us a forerunner in the advancement of aquaponics for industry,” says Takahashi.

According to Takahashi and Khiari the cutting-edge technology within the aquaponics facility are firsts. What they are developing is new innovative research and isn’t being done anywhere else.

The aquaponics program finds out next month if they get a new greenhouse. The greenhouse will provide more space for not only staff but also the students to conduct new innovative research to continue their progress in aquaponics studies according to Takahashi.