Unveiling the Mineral Content of Gracilaria sp. Using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF): The Potential of Red Algae in Environmental Monitoring
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Abstract
Background: Gracilaria sp. is a type of red algae that is easy to cultivate and produces agar. Gracilaria sp. thrives by absorbing nutrients from the water, and its thallus contains gel, which gives it a high water-binding capacity.
Aims: This study aims to identify the minerals absorbed by Gracilaria sp. using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) methods.
Result: According to the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis, Gracilaria sp. contains 11 metal elements, with 6 primary elements including Potassium (K), Chlorine (Cl), Sulfur (S), Calcium (Ca), Silicon (Si), and Phosphate (P), as well as Iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), Bromine (Br), Manganese (Mn), and Strontium (Sr). Quantitatively, the dominant metal elements are Potassium (25.70%), Chlorine (22.90%), Sulfur (11.10%), Calcium (5.70%), Silicon (2.30%), and Phosphate (1.30%).
Conclusion: These findings indicate that Gracilaria sp. absorbs Potassium and Chlorine in significant amounts, with Sulfur being the next major element. Therefore, Gracilaria sp. can be used as an effective indicator for monitoring water quality and analyzing mineral distribution in aquatic ecosystems. Gracilaria sp. has potential applications in environmental remediation, particularly in addressing heavy metal pollution, and in the development of cultivation methods and practical uses in water quality management.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Wanda Putri Azzahra, Moh. Awaludin Adam, Maya Fitriana







