Philippine E-Journals

Microcontroller-Based Hydroponics GlaciaGrow Smart Environment with Water Filtration and Growth Optimization System for Lactuca Sativa var Longifolia

Angelo Acepcion | Chito Handy Balanza | Paul Anthony Alforte | Marc Yuri Bernal | Charles Ayaso | Francis Ollia

Discipline: electrical and electronic engineering

 

Abstract:

The Philippines faces significant agricultural problems including water scarcity, the consequences of climate change, and declining output that all compromise food security and financial stability. This work introduces the GlaciaGrow system, a microcontroller-based hydroponics solution that incorporates an improved wastewater management system (gravel, sand, activated charcoal, pebbles) to purify and recycle water for sustainable crop irrigation. Combining automated Deep-Water Culture (DWC) hydroponics with real-time temperature, humidity, water level, and pH, the prototype also incorporates dual power sources (solar and AC) and GSM-based environmental deviation notifications. The wastewater filtration system ensured optimal nutrient delivery and achieved 92% contaminant removal, thereby reducing reliance on freshwater. The environmental sensors that are significant for maintaining a controlled environment within the system demonstrated strong performance across all parameters, with consistently high accuracy in water level and pH measurements. The specimen, grown from romaine lettuce, also met quality standards, reaching a weight of more than 150 g and a height of more than 15 cm. GlaciaGrow, a scalable approach to climateresilient urban farming, combines closed-loop water recycling with precision agriculture. GlaciaGrow presents a sustainable model for urban farming in waterscarce regions.