In the bustling coastal waters of Teluk Awur, Jepara, a silent battle is underway. Not one fought with weapons, but with data, algorithms, and a quest for environmental understanding. At the heart of this battle is Laviola Reycha Fitri Andhita, an undergraduate oceanography student from Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia, who is pioneering a method to monitor and manage one of the coastal region’s most pressing environmental challenges: Total Suspended Solids (TSS).
Teluk Awur, a vibrant hub of aquaculture, tourism, and agriculture, is grappling with the consequences of human activity. Run-off from these industries is contributing to high levels of TSS in the coastal waters, disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. High TSS levels can block sunlight, hindering photosynthesis and threatening marine life.
Andhita’s research, published in the *Journal of Tropical Marine Studies* (translated from *Jurnal Kelautan Tropis*), focuses on using Landsat-8 satellite imagery to estimate TSS levels. She compares several existing algorithms—Wirasatriya, Budhiman, Ajiperwata, and Parwati—and introduces a new algorithm calibrated with field data from July 2023.
“The new algorithm shows a smaller error value,” Andhita explains, “with an RMSE of 8.51, MAPE of 25.77%, and Bias of 7.52. This means we can get more accurate TSS estimates, which is crucial for effective monitoring and management.”
The implications of this research are significant, particularly for the energy sector. Coastal waters with high TSS levels can impact the efficiency of offshore renewable energy installations, such as wind farms and tidal energy systems. Accurate monitoring of TSS can help in planning and maintaining these installations, ensuring their longevity and efficiency.
Andhita’s work also highlights the importance of sustainable monitoring practices. By using satellite imagery, researchers can gather data over large areas and long periods, providing valuable insights into environmental changes and trends.
“This research is a stepping stone towards more sustainable and effective TSS monitoring,” Andhita says. “It can be used in abrasion monitoring and management in the Teluk Awur coastal waters of Jepara and beyond.”
As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, Andhita’s research offers a beacon of hope. By harnessing the power of technology and data, we can better understand and manage our environment, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
The commercial impacts of this research are far-reaching. For the energy sector, accurate TSS monitoring can lead to better site selection for offshore installations, reduced maintenance costs, and improved energy output. It can also inform policy decisions, helping governments and industries balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Andhita’s work is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential of young researchers to drive change. As she continues her journey in oceanography, her research is set to shape the future of environmental monitoring and management, not just in Indonesia, but around the world.