Abstract

This research aims to analyze the effect of acidic level (pH) of seawater on the rate of growth of Gracilaria
sp., and determine the best of acidic level (pH) of seawater for the growth of Gracilaria sp.. This research
was conducted for 30 days from August to September 2016 in Laboratory Research Center for Natural
Resources and Environment (PPSDAL) Padjadjaran University, Bandung. The research used completely
randomized design with three treatments and three replication. Data were analyzed using analysis of
variance followed by Duncan's multiple range test. The parameters observed weight gain and visual
observation happens to Gracilaria sp .. The results showed that the weight of Gracilaria sp. observation
for 30 days on average decreased by an average value of daily growth rate for each treatment (-1.74 ±
0.23)%, (-1.43 ± 0.39)% - (0.89 ± 0.26)% and (0.46 ± 0.09)%. Gracilaria sp. with concentration pH 5 can
survive only until the 16th day of observation, concentration pH 5.5 survive until 19th day of observation,
pH 6 and pH 8 can survive up to 30th or the last day of observation. According to annova analysis at 5%
significance, it could be concluded that the pH can affect the growth rate of Gracilaria sp., and the
concentration of the most effected is the range of pH <6. The lower the pH value of the treatment will inhibit
growth and cause ice-ice disease in Gracilaria sp..
Keywords : Acidic Level (pH), Gracilaria sp., Grow Rate