Closed- loop aquaponic (CLA) systems represent innovative, integrated food production systems that combine recirculating aquaculture (RAS) with hydroponic plant cultivation within a continuous water cycle. In these systems, nutrient-rich effluent from fish tanks undergoes biological filtration before being directed to hydroponic units, where plants assimilate dissolved nutrients and, in turn, purify the water prior to its return to the aquaculture component. This symbiotic interaction enables efficient nutrient recycling, reduces water consumption by 90–99% compared to conventional aquaculture, and substantially limits environmental discharge and pollution. CLA systems sustain water quality for both fish and plants through advanced filtration, oxygenation, and continuous monitoring technologies, thereby supporting high-density fish production alongside vigorous plant growth. Beyond improving resource efficiency and environmental sustainability, the closed-loop design provides additional economic and societal benefits, including reduced reliance on chemical inputs and the potential to localize food production in urban and resource-constrained environments. The discharge of aquaculture effluents which contains high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus represents a significant environmental challenge. Similarly, hydroponic and greenhouse cultivation generate considerable quantities of organic residues, including leaves, stems, and discarded vegetables, much of which remains underutilized. Addressing the above requires the development of effective and sustainable waste management strategies. One promising approach involves the upcycling of such low-value organic wastes through the use of insects as bioconverters . In addition , the reuse of treated municipal wastewater as a reclaimed water source for aquaponic systems presents both opportunities and challenges.
Within this context, the AWARE project aims to assess the potential of insect bioconversion as an innovative waste management solution contributing to sustainable and circular food production systems in an aquaponics system using reclaimed water. Furthermore , the study examines the potential of such systems to serve as effective waste management solutions while aligning with the principles and requirements of organic production. The study analyses nutrient cycling, waste minimization, and water reuse within a closed-loop aquaponic framework, with particular attention to regulatory definitions of “organic” in aquaculture and horticulture. Case studies and experimental data are used to assess the growth performance of fish and plants reared in aquaponics with reclaimed water and comparisons are made with conventional aquaponics production systems, highlighting both opportunities and constraints for organic certification. The findings suggest that while aquaponics can significantly reduce nutrient losses and promote circularity, regulatory barriers and definitional inconsistencies remain key challenges to its recognition as “organic.” Future research and policy development should focus on harmonizing certification standards and advancing low-cost, efficient waste management innovations to fully realise the potential of closed-loop aquaponics in sustainable and organic food production.