INNOVATIVE CONTROL AND MONITORING TECHNIQUES FOR ENHANCING PHYSICAL FACTORS OF SEA SALT PRODUCTION IN SAMUT SONGKHRAM PROVINCE

Abstract

The first objective of this study was to analyze the water source that has been used to produce salt from the seaside to the final product (salt) and give the proper planning with the help of geographic information technology(system). Furthermore, the study tried to find a better strategy to control and monitor the water quality in different positions of the salt farms. The second objective of the study was to produce high-quality salt according to the agricultural standard. The introduced system would be in accordance with the local farmer’s practices and information. The research was conducted in the salt farm of Bang Kaeo Subdistrict, Mueang District, Samut Songkhram province. The research was conducted based on communication with farmers verbally as well as scientific survey to find the specific research problem directly or from farmers union. The solution was introduced based on latitude and longitude positions in different parts of the salt farm, analyzing the factors involved in the water quality and introducing the online innovated system as the online water quality analyzer. Furthermore, the water samples were collected, and specific factors (elements) were analyzed in the lab. Finally, the quality of the salt produced by farmers is scientifically controlled. The results found three factors involved in salt production, quality of water, changing the climate annually and local expertise and techniques. The specific factors of water quality were pH (7.6-7.8), DO (4.4-7.7mg/l), Salinity (24.26-29.60ppt.), Pb (8.82-11.85 ppm), Cd (1.15-1.60ppm) and Cu (0.1-0.7 ppm). Mercury and arsenic weren’t detected in the water. Annually, in April the salt index was slightly increased (28.5-30.7 ppt.). Overall, the natural sea salt had the quality in accordance with the THAI AGRICULTURAL STANDARD TAS 8402-2019. From the geography point of view this study showed that these two areas were suitable for producing the natural sea salt. In conclusion, the process and the techniques of local farmers would produce the high quality of sea salt according to Thai agricultural production. They should be concerned about monitoring the quality of water continuously.