Abstract:
Shrimp aquaculture is a key industry in Sri Lanka, contributing significantly to
nutrition, employment, poverty reduction, and foreign exchange. However, a
decline in shrimp production rates has been observed due to factors such as rapid
population growth, environmental pollution, and climate change, negatively
impacting the freshwater shrimp sector. Though managing the water quality
parameters can enhance production, little attention has been given to innovative
water quality management strategies in shrimp farms. Traditional monitoring
systems in shrimp farms are outdated, time-consuming, and lack real-time
functionality, making it difficult to maintain optimal water conditions. To address
this issue, our study presents a real-time monitoring system for freshwater shrimp
farms. The system integrates microcontroller-based devices and visualization tools
to continuously monitor key water metrics such as pH and dissolved oxygen levels.
The system activates when DO levels drop below 6.5 ppm or when pH values
exceed 8.25, as per optimal shrimp farming conditions. Conversely, it remains
inactive when pH levels fall below 7.5 or DO levels rise above 8.25 ppm. The
system operates based on fuzzy logic rules, adjusting to the varying pH and DO
levels to maintain water quality within the optimal range. The system includes an
automated mechanism for deploying anti-ammonia tablets when water quality
deviates from safe thresholds. During nighttime, when oxygen levels naturally drop,
the system monitors dissolved oxygen concentrations and activates tractor-powered
emergency aerators if levels fall below acceptable limits. Small-scale aeration
systems are also integrated into hatcheries, ensuring adequate oxygen supply
throughout the shrimp lifecycle. This real-time automated system improves shrimp
farming efficiency by optimizing water quality and reducing manual intervention.
Although designed for large-scale operations, testing in a smaller tank limits
insights into its scalability. Future research should focus on enhancing tank design
to better remove waste and improve shrimp health.
