Innovation in the aquaculture sector is key to improving the efficiency and productivity of fisheries. The latest shortcut comes from the Graphene Iridium team, led by Tiurma Fransiska Simanullang and her colleagues Jeni Laura Tesalonika and Putri Sekar Kinanti. Where the concept of polyphony (Polyvinylidene Fluoride for Ammonia Removal) is an improvement on RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System) using membrane filtration technology and ammonia sensors to remove ammonia from the water, based on solar panels as an alternative electrical energy source. This discovery promises a major step forward in creating sustainable, water-efficient, and environmentally friendly fish farming, resulting in higher-quality fish production. There are several important water quality parameters in aquaculture ecosystems, one of which is the ammonia level. Ammonia that accumulates in aquatic systems must be removed because if it builds up, it can be toxic, damage fish tissue, and even cause fish death. The presence of an ammonia sensor will make it easier for fish farmers to monitor water quality.
One of the distinguishing advantages of this project is its innovative pool design, layout, and water circulation, as well as the use of solar panels as an alternative energy source to power pumps, aerators, UV filters, and sensors, considering sustainability and environmental aspects. This reduces reliance on conventional energy sources to achieve the Indonesian government’s mission of Indonesia Carbon Zero Emissions by 2060. This was stated directly by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment in 2022 at the G20 event in Bali, Indonesia. Endy Yulianto, S.T., M.T., as the Head of the D4 Industrial Chemical Engineering Technology Study Program and supervising lecturer, played an important role by providing continuous support to the Grafena Iridium team. Discussions with him have helped in the development and refinement of innovations in the RAS design. This project was created for the OLIVIA IX 2024 competition organized by the Indonesian Vocational Higher Education Forum (FPTVI). Thanks to this design innovation, the Graphene Iridium team made it to the top 5 finalists and will be presenting to compete for the championship title at Hasanuddin University. The innovation implemented is a reflection of how technology and collaboration can produce solutions that have a positive impact in the future.