In a state where land is expensive, and the tropical heat can be a hurdle for certain crops, researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补’s (CTAHR) are looking up.
Kyle Marcelino, a PhD graduate from the Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering (MBBE) at CTAHR, led a project exploring new ways to strengthen local agriculture through a hybrid controlled environment system. By combining vertical farming with advanced aquaponics, the team is developing a sustainable path for commercial food production in the islands.
The tech behind the tower: Nano bubbles
At the heart of this project is the integration of nanobubble technology. Traditional aquaponic systems can struggle to maintain enough dissolved oxygen for healthy plant roots and beneficial bacteria. This system injects pure oxygen directly into the water using nanobubble technology.
“One of the most important parts of aquaponics is trying to maintain dissolved oxygen,” Marcelino said. This boost in oxygen serves several critical functions:
- It reduces root decay or root rot caused by harmful bacteria.
- It supports the natural bacteria that convert fish waste into plant-available nutrients.
- It encourages bacteria to break down organic solids, preventing the buildup of sludge that can choke a system.
A system built for Hawaiʻi
With limited agricultural land available in Hawaiʻi, growing vertically offers an efficient alternative. The hybrid greenhouse system uses technology to regulate temperature, UV exposure and water quality.
While the system is ideal for leafy greens, researchers are expanding their horizons to include high-value crops like strawberries that struggle in Hawaiʻi’s humidity. It can also be used for radishes and other highly nutritious root vegetables.
The ultimate goal is to help move the technology from research to commercial use, giving local farmers another tool to grow fresh food more efficiently.
“The whole big goal is to try to eventually build this controlled environment system where farmers can control temperature, water quality, and oxygen levels to grow high-value crops and feed communities,” said Marcelino.
This research is supported by the CTAHR CARES Initiative and the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation.