The ITS KKN student team when conducting counseling on measuring water quality parameters.

Kampus ITS, ITS News – Many farmers in Indonesia need information about pond water quality parameters to improve the quality of their ponds. To help with this, the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh November (ITS) student team made a water quality parameter measurement tool through the Real Work Lecture (KKN).

Consisting of 15 people, they are students from the ITS Physics Engineering Department. Chaired by Fikri Nurhidayat, the KKN team made a water quality parameter measuring instrument specifically for determining water quality to monitor the condition of water quality properly. “This tool is intended to be able to improve the quality and quantity of fishpond products, especially the farmers in Gresik Regency,” explained Fikri.

Top view of the water quality measurement tool made by the ITS KKN student team for farmers in Gresik Regency

He said that before making water quality parameter measuring instruments, his team conducted an Environmental Condition Analysis (AKL) and some research in June 2021. Not only that, but they also took water samples in Kemangi Village, Bungah District, as test material. “After having some information and test materials, then we start designing the manufacture of the tool,” he said.

The 2018 student said that unlike other water quality parameter measuring instruments, the parameter tools made by his team would be connected and monitored via the Internet of Things (IoT). This tool can be related to the blynk application on the users’ smartphones. “That way, the farmers do not need to go to the field to check, especially when the weather is not favorable,” he explained.

Side view of the water quality measuring instrument made by the ITS KKN student team

Not only that, Fikri added another unique feature of the measuring instrument made by his team. He mentioned that the parameters measured in this tool are not only one but three parameters. Namely salinity, oxygen levels, and temperature. “This is also one of the advantages of the tool we made compared to other water quality parameter measuring instruments in general,” said the student from Jakarta.

In using it, Fikri explained that the farmers must prepare a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card that has internet data to turn on the tool. After that, this water quality parameter measuring instrument can be placed in the pond water. Then the readings can be viewed through the blynk application that has been connected to their respective smartphones or can also be seen directly on the indicators listed on the device.

ITS KKN students taking pictures with residents after the counseling event on measuring water quality parameters

The student who was born in 2000 said that the tool that has been made since July 2021 must then be tested first. He and his team came to the pond to ensure that the equipment was functioning correctly and correctly. “After confirming that the tool can measure properly, the next step is counseling and handing over the tools,” he explained.

Fikri said that the extension of water quality parameter measuring instruments was carried out directly at the Kemangi Village Hall, Bungah District, Gresik, at the end of last October. In the event, the ITS KKN team also explained to the farmers how to care for and use the connected blynk tools and applications on smartphones. “The delivery of this tool is planned to be carried out in mid-November,” he said.

This alumnus of MAN 9 Jakarta hopes that this tool will make it easier for farmers in Gresik to monitor water quality conditions. That way, the farmers can get good quality and quantity of fishpond products. “Not only that, for students, I hope this experience can be a provision to be better prepared to face social life after the lecture period,” he said. (ITS Public Relation)

Reporter: Nadila Wulan Cahyani