Developing algorithms for estimating total suspended solids (TSS) using unmanned aerial vehicle: A case study in the Upper Citarum River, Indonesia

Authors

  • Fajar Setiawan Research Center for Limnology and Water Resources, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jalan Raya Jakarta-Bogor Km. 46, Cibinong 16911, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7863-0067
  • Tyas Mutiara Basuki Research Center for Ecology and Ethnobiology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jalan Raya Jakarta-Bogor Km. 46, Cibinong 16911, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9848-1604
  • Budi Heru Santosa Research Center for Limnology and Water Resources, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jalan Raya Jakarta-Bogor Km. 46, Cibinong 16911, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5432-6821
  • Irfan Budi Pramono Research Center for Limnology and Water Resources, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jalan Raya Jakarta-Bogor Km. 46, Cibinong 16911, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0049-5600
  • Galdita Aruba Chulafak Research Research Center for Geoinformatics, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Sangkuriang, Dago, Kecamatan Coblong, Kota Bandung 40135, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2875-5152
  • Aldiano Rahmadya Research Center for Limnology and Water Resources, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jalan Raya Jakarta-Bogor Km. 46, Cibinong 16911, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8428-1780
  • Firda Maftukhakh Hilmya Nada Research Center for Ecology and Ethnobiology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jalan Raya Jakarta-Bogor Km. 46, Cibinong 16911, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2355-6605

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15243/jdmlm.2025.122.7379

Keywords:

algorithm , remote sensing , sedimentation, soil erosion

Abstract

Monitoring total suspended solids (TSS) is essential as suspended sediments impact the environment and human health in various ways. However, TSS data are limited in many regions because the methods currently applied through in situ measurements are time-consuming and labor-intensive. The study aimed to develop algorithms to estimate TSS using data derived from UAVs and field measurements. Remote sensing technology, such as unmanaged aerial vehicle (UAV), was applied to obtain imagery data to estimate TSS content. These results were then compared with laboratory analysis of in-situ water samples, determined by gravimetric methods following standard protocols. The results showed that the algorithm developed using three-band ratios, the blue/green + red/green + NIR (near infra red)/green, produces a high R2 (0.70), indicating that this combination is reliable for use in estimating TSS content in a river section. The high accuracy of the red band for suspended sediment prediction is attributed to its spectral signature in turbid water, which shows higher reflectance compared to clean water. The results of this study have the potential to help river managers obtain TSS data quickly at a relatively low cost.

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Submitted

11-11-2024

Accepted

30-12-2024

Published

01-01-2025

How to Cite

Setiawan, F., Basuki, T. M., Santosa, B. H., Pramono, I. B., Chulafak, G. A., Rahmadya, A., & Nada, F. M. H. (2025). Developing algorithms for estimating total suspended solids (TSS) using unmanned aerial vehicle: A case study in the Upper Citarum River, Indonesia . Journal of Degraded and Mining Lands Management, 12(2), 7379–7388. https://doi.org/10.15243/jdmlm.2025.122.7379

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Section

Research Article

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