Urbanization is a phenomenon that is currently massive in Indonesia, especially in Jakarta. One of the consequences of urbanization is the increase in population. The phenomenon of increasing population also turns out to raise many problems, one of which is the quality of clean water. In addition, urbanization has also triggered unorganized urban housing activities often referred to as urban sprawl. This urban sprawl problem causes unhealthy community behaviour, such as throwing garbage and defecating carelessly into the river. It is not surprising that the levels of Escherichia Coli or bacteria in Jakarta’s rivers are high and cause health problems, such as diarrhoea and stunting.
This big problem sparked four students of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (DTSL FTUI), to find a solution to the problem of clean water quality in Jakarta. They proposed the use of advanced Titanium Dioxide-Graphene Oxide (TiO2-GO), a membrane technology to overcome the clean water crisis in Jakarta. The selection of this technology is based on the characteristics of polluted water, limited land and costs, and the durability of the membrane used. TiO2-GO membrane technology can remove up to 100% of various organic pollutants, bacteria, and viruses.
Thanks to their proposal for a solution to the clean water crisis in Jakarta, the four students who are members of the Brim Team won the Silver Medalist at the World Science Environmental Engineering Competition (WSEEC) competition organized by the Indonesian Young Scientist Association (IYSA) and announced the winner on August 4.
The Brim team consists of Brily Najmussabah (DTSL 2020), Rubby Anistia Prasetyo (DTSL 2020), Immanuela Karina (DTSL 2020), and Miftahul Jannah Arrahmah (DTSL 2020). Under the guidance of DTSL FTUI lecturer, Dr. Ing. Sucipta Laksono, S.T., M.T.
“Clean water problems in Jakarta, especially North Jakarta, have threatened human health due to Escherichia Coli bacteria. But, the root of this problem has not received serious attention from various parties. Several solutions have been launched by the government, such as expanding the distribution of clean water. However, the reality is that until 2023 the distribution of clean water in Jakarta has only reached 65.8% and 81% of Jakarta’s clean water comes from the Jatiluhur Dam, Purwakarta, West Java. With a distribution distance of more than 100 km, it is expensive and often causes leaks in water pipes, causing water volume loss of up to 46.85%. This is also exacerbated by the fact that only 5% of surface water in Jakarta can be utilized as clean water. Therefore, we are trying to propose an optimal solution in maximizing the function of Jakarta’s water bodies as the main source of clean water distribution that is sustainable and low cost,” said Dr. Ing. Sucipta Laksono, S.T., M.T.
Rubby said that the proposed use of TiO2-GO technology has a superior impact on various aspects. First, the economic aspect, it can advance the nano filter membrane which will increase the investment value and the price of water will be much more efficient. Second, the technological aspect will reduce 51% of pipe leakage and increase water usage in Jakarta. Third, the environmental aspect will increase the durability of the membrane and less waste will be generated, reducing the footprint by 60%, and the use of electric power by 5-50%.
This nano filter membrane technology using TiO2-GO can be the most suitable alternative solution to reduce high levels of Escherichia Coli and other harmful chemicals in water bodies. This technology is a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for water treatment. This technology is also profitable and beneficial for producers and consumers as evidenced by the savings in water purchase costs of around 84.2% compared to the current cost of water tariffs provided by the government (PAM Jaya).
Met on a separate occasion, the Dean of FTUI, Prof. Dr. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU, said “The problem of clean water in Jakarta and its detrimental impact on human health is a crucial problem whose solution must be applicable and innovative. The solution in the form of using TiO2-GO technology is not just a short-term solution, but can be a sustainable solution that is cheap and easy to overcome the problem of the clean water crisis in Jakarta,” he explained.
The World Science Environment and Engineering Competition (WSEEC) is a competition for the younger generation to contribute to efforts to provide innovations and breakthroughs in improving human resource competencies through integrating literacy skills, knowledge skills, and mastery of technology. Organized by the Indonesian Young Scientist Association (IYSA) in collaboration with Pancasila University, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Department of Food Science and Technology, Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), in January-July 2023, with 340 teams from various universities participating.
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Public Communication Bureau
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia