STUDY OF WATER QUALITY CHANGE MODEL FOR SEAWEED CULTIVATION IN TOMINI GULF, CENTRAL SULAWESI

Abstract: This research aim to determine and assemble a model of water quality change pattern based on physical, chemical, and biological parameters to support seaweed cultivation in Tomini Gulf. The methods used in this research were data-processing and model-assembling methods using structural equations, including formulating problems and testing model. Data used in this research were retrieved from field survey results of P3SDLP for 4 years with monthly average, from 2009 to 2012, and potential distributions of seaweed in Tomini Gulf. Data analysis was conducted using correlational analysis between overall parameters using line coefficient on the model for water quality. The result showed significant values on physical, chemical, and biological parameters affected the quality of water for seaweed cultivation in Tomini Gulf, namely temperature, clarity, suspended solid, nitrate, phosphate, and a-chlorophyll. The percentage of chemical parameter effect was 37.7%, while that to biological parameter was 38% in the model has been very acceptable and in conformity with the actual facts, that were actually affected with physical parameter, by 78.9%.

Keywords: Biophysical Chemistry, Seaweed, and Structural Model

Program Sarjana Ilmu Kelautan

e-mail: asepirwan@aol.com