In a groundbreaking study published in the journal ‘Ilmu Kelautan’ (translated as ‘Marine Science’), researchers have unveiled a novel approach to monitoring seaweed quality using spectral analysis. The research, led by Hollanda Arief Kusuma from the Department of Electrical Engineering at Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji in Indonesia, focuses on the spectral characterization of Kappaphycus alvarezii, a commercially significant species of seaweed.
The study employs the SparkFun Triad Spectroscopy Sensor AS7265x to assess the relationship between water content and light intensity in seaweed. This non-destructive method holds promise for the maritime and aquaculture industries, offering a more efficient way to monitor post-harvest seaweed quality.
Kusuma and his team collected seaweed samples from the coastal area of the Karimun Islands and subjected them to a controlled drying process at 40°C. The spectral data were recorded across 18 channels in the visible and infrared spectra, revealing distinct patterns that correlate with varying moisture levels. “We found that higher water content corresponds to increased light intensity,” Kusuma explained. “This relationship is crucial for developing accurate predictive models for seaweed water content.”
The researchers used multiple linear regression analysis to determine the contributions of individual spectral channels to water content prediction. They discovered that each channel has its own unique contribution to the model. The visible spectrum outperformed the infrared spectrum in predictive accuracy, with an R² value of 0.79 compared to 0.61 for the infrared spectrum. “The visible light spectrum is more effective in predicting water content in K. alvarezii,” Kusuma noted.
The findings have significant implications for the maritime and aquaculture sectors. Spectral analysis can provide a reliable method for assessing the physico-chemical properties of seaweeds, advancing the use of optical sensors in aquaculture and environmental monitoring. This technology can help seaweed farmers and processors optimize their operations, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
Moreover, the study paves the way for future research in spectral analysis and its applications in the maritime industry. As Kusuma put it, “This research is just the beginning. We hope to see more innovative uses of spectral analysis in aquaculture and beyond.”
The study, published in ‘Ilmu Kelautan’, highlights the potential of spectral analysis as a valuable tool for the maritime and aquaculture industries. By providing a non-destructive method for monitoring seaweed quality, this technology can help farmers and processors make more informed decisions, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and profitability.